TRUCKERS CHECKED FOR DRUG USE IN SPECIAL STOPS

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) -- Richard Dompeling, a trucker for the past 30
years, didn't mind when state police stopped his rig and checked for safety
violations. He didn't even mind the urine test.

"It's important," he said. "Most of us are careful, but I'm sure there are
still some stupid ones out there."

Dompeling and 56 other truckers were stopped on U.S. Highway 97 for drug and
safety checks Tuesday, part of a two-day crackdown by state troopers.

One driver was arrested on charges of being under the influence of drugs.
Another was put out of service because he hadn't kept up his log book.

State Police Lt. Dale Rutledge said trucks are involved in about 30 percent
of traffic accidents on Interstate 5.

"Historically, we know truck drivers will take stimulants to try and stay
awake," he said.

Troopers checked the driver's log books, safety equipment and the rig
itself. At the same time, drug impairment experts visually checked the
drivers for drug impairment.

Drivers were then asked to submit a urine sample as part of a research
project into what types of stimulants and over-the-counter medications, if
any, truck drivers use on the road.

"Some over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness, and they can cause
impairment," Rutledge said.

Truckers have a limit of 500 driving miles before they must stop and rest.
Dompeling said he often stops after 350-400 miles to rest. He also drinks
coffee to stay awake.

Troopers estimate that about 30 to 60 trucks an hour come through the
Klamath Falls weigh station, but it appears that some drivers may have been
warned by their colleagues about the inspection, State Police Lt. Dan
Rutledge said.

"We don't know for sure, but we have high suspicion," he said. "Forty
minutes after we quit it was like the floodgates opened and they all started
coming north."

Checked-by: Don Beck