Navigating the Illinois roadways may seem daunting at times, especially when sharing the road with massive tractor trailers. These giant vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and require well-trained and licensed operators to ensure they are handled safely around you and other drivers on the road. Surprisingly, there are a number of truck drivers on the road who have previously violations involving drugs and alcohol. Although these truck drivers may have been penalized for violations, a number of them are still out on the roads and cause danger to other drivers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 5 percent of truck drivers who were inspected on the road during a checkpoint were found to have too many violations to be behind the wheel. This equates to over 170,000 truckers. As a way to minimize the number of unqualified truck drivers on the road, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration designed the Commercial Driver’s License and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
Before trucking companies are able to hire and use truck drivers, they must check with the clearinghouse to ensure the trucker does not have any previous violations that would inhibit them from driving. Substance abuse professionals, medical review officers, trucking companies and other agents are required to put information into the clearinghouse regarding violations involving drugs and alcohol. Companies must check the program before hiring and will be able to see if a driver was dismissed from another company or received a ticket because of a violation.
This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.