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July 2009
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The roads out there aren't full of Garland Massinghams. Thank goodness for that. Most truck drivers are sober, conscientious professionals. But in 2005 more than 800 truckers failed or refused drug tests in Washington State. One of the things that surprised me was how quickly these people could return to their big rigs after testing positive. After a positive urine test the State Department of Licensing suspends a trucker's license until three things are completed: An evaluation by a substance abuse professional, a written driving test, payment of a $150 fee. We reviewed D.O.L. records which show that some truck drivers are savvy enough about working the system that they can requalify for their licenses before the D.O.L. suspension hearing. By the time that hearing comes, the trucker has already jumped through the hoops and is requalified immediately. In other words, they don't miss a single day of work. While researching this story many people told me that the trucking industry is flush with job openings. Employers say it's hard to find qualified drivers to keep their fleets rolling. That may mean that many companies are getting desperate and lowering their hiring standards (indeed, the company for which Massingham worked, J.B. Leonard of Chehalis, fired three of its eight truckers last year for positive drug tests). While most truckers are driving the straight and narrow, the laws should protect us from the few who stray, especially the repeat offenders. The story of Garland Massingham has shown us how much harm one bad driver in a 100,000-pound big rig can cause. 6 Comments |
I think you better be careful what you wish for the roads were built for truckers to keep the goods of this nation flowing not for you idiot drivers out there that pull in front of a 100,000 lb rig with no time to stop these are miniautre trains driving out there if that helps everyone understand they can not take off fast nor can they stop fast no matter how good a driver the guy is. These big rig drivers are the life blood of our nation please give them the respect they deserve granted there are a few bad apples but show me an industry that does not have any bad guys.
This story is sad and tragic. I wonder if the employer was at the first accident scene. If so he could have observed his employee and if observed signs of intoxication-envolked the "reasonable suspicion" portion of 382 FMCSR and had him submit to a urine test immediately. Also if he was arrested for being under the infuence of alcohol and/or drugs and a citation issued, that constitutes "actual knowledge" and kicks in 382 FMCSR and the driver would have had to go to a SAP (substance abuse professional) and requalify before being allowed to drive again.
As a truck safety consultant, I deal with the drug and alcohol provisions of the FMCSR quite a bit. I don't know all the ends and outs of this case but truck drivers like him give the trucking industry a bad name. Most of the drivers out on the road are law abiding and trying to provide a living for their families.
I was reading this and was wondering how did this guy insurance to drive a rig
How is this investigate journalism? You basically re-hashed what has already been reported. There's nothing new here! Must have been a slow nenws day.
My husband and I drove Team together for 12 years. I have seen some pretty sad driving habits from big rig operators and also from car drivers. There needs an awareness program to let private vehicles know that commercial trucks cannot stop on a dime or swerve to avoid accidents. I also feel that if a professional driver tests positive for illegal drugs, they should lose their CDL priviledges for the rest of their lives. These drivers make a bad name for the good drivers on the road.
Ever drive through Ohio they are posting signs out saying to give drivers room to break. Not sure how good it is doing the state.