'DIRTY' DRIVERS ARE A MENACE

Dear editor:

Are you comfortable driving next to a big rig? Most people aren't because
their size is intimidating - even though the drivers are as concerned about
safety as you. How safe would you feel if the driver was under the
influence of drugs?

Truck drivers are required to submit to random drug tests, just as airplane
pilots are. And they should. However, it may surprise you to know that
current law doesn't allow potential employers to learn about truck drivers
who tested positive in their last drug test. We all know that a DUI goes on
your driving record at the DMV. State law already provides that a truck
driver who has failed a drug or alcohol test is medically unqualified to
drive a truck. However, there is currently no place where employers can
check to determine if a prospective truck driver tested "dirty" at his last
job. And the dirty truck driver won't tell any prospective employer because
he wants a job. So there are a few truck drivers on the road who do drugs.
And they could be driving next to you.

The California Trucking Association in conjunction with MADD has asked
assemblymembers George House and Dean Florez to jointly sponsor AB 1531,
which requires that whenever a driver tests dirty, the record would be sent
by the doctor to a secure database that could only be accessed by potential
employers. Employers would then know that drivers named in the database
were medically unqualified to drive.

Failing a drug test does not (and should not) disqualify a truck driver
from employment forever. Under current rules, a driver is allowed to seek
treatment with a substance abuse professional and to have his medical
qualifications to drive a truck re-evaluated and reinstated. But until that
is done, he can't legally drive a truck. That is both fair and right and
would continue under AB 1531.

Several labor organizations oppose this sensible bill, as does (surprise)
the California Professional Firefighters Union. They oppose AB 1531 because
of their concern that driver alcohol and drug test results might get into
the wrong hands, thus violating privacy rights of truck drivers. But that
is a red herring.

The motoring public should be more concerned that substance-abusing truck
drivers remain on the highway threatening us all.

If you feel that drug-abusing truck drivers should be taken off the roads
until they are re-evaluated, reinstated, and medically qualified to drive,
contact Assemblymember Ted Lempert now. When state lawmakers return to
Sacramento this month, they will have three weeks to pass or fail the final
remaining legislation for this session. Let Assemblymember Lempert know
that you will be watching to see his stand on this life-or-death issue.

Gary Naman

Moss Beach