Impaired truck drivers have long posed a significant threat on our roads, leading to countless accidents and devastating consequences. In response, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented a nationwide "Clearinghouse" program to enhance safety by identifying and removing commercial truck drivers with a history of drunk driving incidents.
“The FMCSA aims to remove disqualified CDL/CPL drivers from the roadways to boost safety and reduce DOT drug and alcohol violations,” a Yahoo News report highlights about the FMCSA initiative.
But what exactly is the FMCSA Clearinghouse program? How does it function? How prevalent are violations among impaired truck drivers? And what is the impact of drunk driving on truck collisions? Dean Waite & Associates breaks it down for you.
FMCSA Clearinghouse program targets impaired truck drivers
In 2021, the FMCSA launched the Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse program, establishing a comprehensive database that tracks commercial truck drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) classified as having a "prohibited" status.
Currently, around 175,000 CDL holders are identified as prohibited, indicating that they should not be driving due to drug or alcohol violations that disqualify them from operating commercial vehicles.
The primary goal of the FMCSA program is to empower employers to identify drivers who have committed drug and alcohol violations with one employer but fail to disclose this information to subsequent employers, as mandated by law.
Phase 2 of FMCSA Clearinghouse program – remove ‘prohibited’ drivers
Starting November 18, the second phase of the FMCSA Clearinghouse program will take effect, marking a significant step in enhancing road safety by removing commercial truck drivers with a "prohibited" CDL status from the road.
To regain their ability to operate a commercial truck legally, these drivers must successfully complete the return-to-duty (RTD) process as outlined by the FMCSA.
Additionally, under Phase 2, employers will be mandated to verify the status of all new and current CDL employees with the FMCSA, ensuring that no driver listed as "prohibited" is allowed to operate a commercial vehicle.
Surge in impaired driving violations among truck drivers
Impaired driving violations among commercial truck drivers have become increasingly common, with drug violations significantly outnumbering alcohol-related offenses, according to FMCSA Clearinghouse records.
In 2023, there were a staggering 67,667 drug violations and 1,588 alcohol violations issued to CDL drivers, totaling 69,255 violations. This marks a substantial 29.2% increase from 2020 when the total stood at 53,566 violations, comprised of 52,460 drug violations and 1,106 alcohol violations.
The FMCSA's stringent measures against impaired driving in commercial trucking stem from the alarming prevalence of truck accidents linked to intoxicated drivers. Annually, large truck accidents involving drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol account for approximately 6.7% of all such incidents. This translates to roughly 25,000 large truck accidents each year across the nation.
Holding negligent truckers and trucking companies accountable
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident caused by an impaired driver can be challenging in Alabama. These cases often become legally complex due to factors like the truck driver denying fault, disputes with insurance companies, or issues arising from out-of-state drivers.
At Dean Waite & Associates, LLC in Mobile, our experienced Alabama truck accident lawyers are well-equipped to handle these situations. We have a proven track record of successfully representing clients injured in accidents involving negligence.
Our case results speak for themselves, including a $6.75 million settlement for a serious truck accident. Learn more about how we can help you demand the money you deserve. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with an Alabama truck accident lawyer focused on winning. We handle accident claims throughout Alabama. Don't Hesitate ... Call Dean Waite!