In the event of an accident involving an employee with a commercial driver’s license (CDL), determining the appropriate type of post-accident testing is crucial. Although the employee has a CDL, a DOT drug screen may not be required. Certain requirements must be met for the driver to have a DOT post-accident drug and alcohol test. Determining the appropriate test to be completed is important, as there could be consequences to performing an incorrect test. In this blog post, we will explore different scenarios with examples to determine whether a DOT or Non-DOT drug and alcohol test is required.
DOT drug and alcohol tests are reported to the appropriate regulating authority (i.e. FMCSA, PHMSA, etc). Each testing authority has certain requirements to determine if DOT drug and alcohol test is needed vs non-DOT testing. It is important to remember drug and alcohol testing is needed for any post accident. The necessity of a DOT Post-Accident Test for a driver falling under FMCSA testing authority is determined based on the type of accident and whether a citation has been issued. Let's consider a few scenarios:
1. Accident With a Human Fatality and Driver Citation: If an employee in a company vehicle is involved in an accident resulting in a human fatality and the driver is cited, a DOT test is required.
2. Accident With a Human Fatality but No Citation: If an employee is involved in an accident with a company vehicle resulting in a human fatality but is not cited, a DOT test is the recommended option for company safety standards.
3. Accident Resulting In Bodily Injury and Driver Citation: If an accident causes bodily injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene, and the driver is cited, a DOT test is required .
4. Accident Without Bodily Injury and No Citation: If an accident occurs without bodily injury requiring medical attention away from the scene, and the driver is not cited, a DOT test is not required. However, it is advisable to conduct Non-DOT testing for company records and standards, if outlined in your company policy.
5. Accident Causing Disabling Vehicle Damage and Driver Citation: If an accident results in disabling damage to any motor vehicle requiring towing, and the employee is cited, DOT testing is required .
6. Accident Causing Disabling Vehicle Damage but No Citation: If the accident causes disabling damage to a vehicle requiring towing, but the employee is not cited, DOT testing is not required.
Additional Considerations:
If you intend to include post-accident testing in your company policy, it's important to note that drug testing must be conducted within 32-hours of the incident, while alcohol testing is required within 8 hours.
At The Annex Employment Testing Center, we understand the urgency of post-accident testing. That's why we offer 24/7 on-call availability to cater to your immediate testing needs. Our experienced team is dedicated to assisting you in navigating the complexities of DOT post-accident testing, ensuring compliance and promoting a safe work environment.
Determining appropriate post-accident testing is vital to maintaining drug testing policies and reporting requirements. By understanding the scenarios that warrant DOT testing and those that can be addressed with Non-DOT testing, employers can effectively manage post-accident situations. At The Annex Employment Testing Center, we are committed to providing comprehensive testing services and expert guidance to support your company's compliance and safety goals.
Contact us today to learn more about our post-accident testing solutions and how we can assist you in maintaining a secure and compliant workplace environment.
The Annex Employment Testing Center
307-337-1200
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