DOT “Reasonable Suspicion” Testing… for Managers and Supervisors (Part I)

The first in a two-part series on reasonable suspicion testing, the objective of DOT “Reasonable Suspicion” Testing… for Managers and Supervisors (Part I) Program discusses how Federal regulations help keep impaired commercial drivers off the road and prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities. It also addresses the concept of “reasonable suspicion” and the types of situations that justify “reasonable suspicion” drug and alcohol testing. To help ensure that drivers of commercial vehicles are drug and alcohol-free, the Federal Transportation Employee Testing Act requires motor carriers to establish rigorous drug and alcohol testing programs. These regulations include “reasonable suspicion testing”, which lets employers refer employees for testing if they “think” that an employee may be “under the influence” of drugs or alcohol. The program includes information on DOT/FMCSA drug and alcohol regulations, an overview of “Reasonable Suspicion” testing, what makes suspicion “reasonable”, general signs of substance use disorders, behavioral signs of drug misuse, physical signs of drug misuse and more.