Trucker Testing Reveals Some Declines, New Trends

A new study shows that federally mandated testing may have helped reduce
illegal drug use among truckers in the United States, but use of
prescription drugs is disturbingly common, the Tacoma News Tribune
reported June 6.

The study analyzed illicit drug and alcohol tests on 822 commercial truck
drivers in Washington and Oregon. It found that 21 percent of the truckers
tested positive for either illegal drugs, legal medications, or alcohol.

Compared to a study taken in 1986, the recent results show that marijuana
use dropped 10 percent. Barry Logan, a toxicologist in Washington state
and author of the study, said the research indicates that federally
mandated testing implemented in the early 1990s is helping to reduce
illegal drug use.

But he expressed concern over the number of prescription medications being
taken by truck drivers. "There are a number of prescription medications
being taken by these drivers, which they may be taking for legitimate
purposes, but these drugs still affect a person's performance," Logan
said. "It makes them drowsy and less attentive."