The shortage of truck drivers in America is directly related to the legalization of marijuana

Drug use by commercial truck drivers has reached a peak not seen since 2019, and the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is determined to uncover the reasons behind it. ATRI begins a mission to gather information from transportation companies about safety and related concerns arising from the state-level legalization of marijuana. ATRI aims to unravel the mystery of the rise in drug use among commercial truck drivers through a series of questions.

Previous research by ATRI has uncovered a link between the increase in drunk driving and the passage of legislation legalizing recreational marijuana. In light of these findings, the ATRI Research Advisory Committee is poised to dig deeper into the effects of recreational marijuana use. With a renewed focus on this topic, the committee aims to provide important insights into the impact of recreational marijuana legalization on traffic safety.

As of December 2022, the latest data from the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse shows an 18% increase in positive drug tests and refusals to take a drug test. The numbers jumped to 69,668 from 59,011 last year. Marijuana use accounts for most of the increase, with violations up 31.6% in 2022 to 40,916.

According to FreightWaves, positive drug tests for 12 of the 14 substances tracked by the database showed an increase, with only hydrocodone and heroin showing a decrease. Despite the alarming numbers, experts note that the clearinghouse is working as intended.

“The statistics are startling, but it’s evident that the clearinghouse is doing its job,” Fr. Sean Garney, co-director of Scoplitis Transportation Consulting, told FreightWaves.

As reported by FreightWaves, legalizing cannabis could help, although it remains illegal under federal law. Commercial truck drivers who hold valid medical marijuana permits may face a difficult choice between their job and their medical cannabis needs.

The relationship between driver shortages in commercial vehicles and cannabis testing

The commercial trucking industry is no stranger to challenges. In recent years, one of the most pressing problems facing the industry has been the lack of commercial truck drivers. This shortage is caused by a variety of factors, including an aging workforce, changes in legislation and the lure of other industries with more favorable working conditions.

At the same time, cannabis testing has become a critical concern in the trucking industry. With the legalization of cannabis in many states, commercial truck drivers who use cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes are barred from their jobs due to drug testing policies.

In the last 12 months, many truck drivers have had their licenses revoked for cannabis use. Of concern is that many of these drivers are failing to take the necessary steps to regain their licenses, potentially accelerating the existing shortage of commercial drivers and compounding supply chain difficulties in the United States.

According to Garney, the report indicates that pre-employment screening will uncover twice as many positive drug tests as random tests performed on drivers in 2022.

American Trucking Association chief economist Bob Costello predicted at a recruiting and retention conference in Tennessee that driver shortages could improve somewhat this year. However, he warned that the deficit could grow to over 160,000 drivers by 2031 unless the industry implements long-term solutions. The industry must act decisively to address this issue before it spirals out of control.

Transport Topics reported that Costello had sounded the alarm, stating that the demographics of the current driver pool, coupled with increasing industry demand, pose a serious challenge. Costello warned of the dire consequences of not effectively addressing this issue, such as empty store shelves due to driver shortages. The situation requires urgent attention and action to resolve it.

Unfortunately, this is a complex problem that needs to be solved. While strict drug testing policies can help keep the public safe, they can also deter potential drivers from entering the industry, exacerbating driver shortages. Similarly, relaxing drug testing guidelines can help attract drivers, but it can also compromise safety and lead to negative consequences.

Ultimately, the relationship between the shortage of truck drivers and cannabis testing is a delicate balance that requires careful thought and deliberation. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of different measures to ensure the safety of drivers and the public while addressing the challenges of driver shortages. This is the only way for the industry to thrive and grow in a sustainable and responsible manner.

The Difficulty of Recognizing Cannabis-Induced Impairment.

The challenge of identifying cannabis-related impairments in truck drivers is a growing concern in the transportation industry. As more states legalize marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, it is becoming increasingly difficult to determine whether drivers are qualified to safely operate commercial vehicles.

Unlike alcohol, which has a clear and commonly accepted standard for impairment, there is no consensus on the threshold for impairment from cannabis. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, can remain in a person’s body days or weeks after use, making it difficult to determine if a driver is impaired. Additionally, road testing for cannabis impairments is not yet widespread, meaning law enforcement officials and employers often rely on subjective assessments of drivers’ behavior and cognitive abilities.

This challenge is of particular concern to the transportation industry, as impaired driving is a significant risk factor for traffic accidents, injuries and fatalities. Truck drivers, in particular, are responsible for moving billions of dollars worth of goods, making their safe and reliable operation a critical part of the supply chain. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop accurate, reliable, and standardized methods for identifying cannabis impairments in truck drivers to ensure their safety, the safety of other road users, and the smooth operation of the transportation industry.

Diploma

The link between truck driver shortages and cannabis testing cannot be ignored. With the increasing number of truck drivers losing their licenses due to positive cannabis tests, the shortage of professional drivers could worsen and exacerbate supply chain challenges in the United States. It is crucial to address this issue through long-term solutions such as: B. Developing accurate and standardized methods to identify cannabis impairments in truck drivers to ensure the safety of all road users and the smooth operation of the transportation industry.

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