DRUG TESTING: PERSONAL RIGHTS VS PUBLIC SAFETY

The article discusses the question of the point at which testing body fluids becomes an infringement of personal privacy, and how this weighs against the public's right to a drug-free driving environment. The problems facing managers of fleet drivers, and current federal regulations on the subject are noted. The Department of Transportation's rulemaking within the aviation industry, and postaccident drug tests for railroad workers in safety sensitive positions are also noted. The reasons cited for 'for cause' drug testing are discussed. The methodology of testing and the shortcommings in testing are also discussed. It is noted that some common foods and medications can produce false indications of drug use. Comments are made on the separation of evidence of residual drug presence in a driver's system, from actual impairment of driving skills.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00410721
• Corporate Authors:

  National Safety Council

  444 North Michigan Avenue
  Chicago, IL  United States  60611
• Authors:
  • Kepler, A
• Publication Date: 1988-6

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 14-17
• Serial:
  • Traffic Safety (Chicago)
  • Volume: 88
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: National Safety Council
  • ISSN: 0041-0721

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Drugs; Employers; Fleet management; Highway safety; Impaired drivers; Professional drivers; Regulations; Testing
• Uncontrolled Terms: Fleets
• Old TRIS Terms: Driver impairment
• Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00475564
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 31 1988 12:00AM