2024 Update: Over 180,000 Prohibited Drivers Still on the Road

The latest report from the Department of Transportation's Clearinghouse reveals alarming statistics that directly impact road safety and the responsibility of transportation companies. More than 180,000 drivers with drug and alcohol violations are still on the road, exposing companies to penalties and operational risks.

If your company has not recently checked its drivers in the Clearinghouse, now is the time to do so. Here is a detailed analysis of the latest data.

📊 Key Data from the Clearinghouse Report

Total violations reported since 2020: 312,853.
Drivers in prohibited status: 180,667.
Drivers who have not started their return-to-duty (RTD) process: 138,864.
Drivers who have completed their return-to-duty process: 71,171.
Number of diluted tests (possible result manipulation attempt): 13,027.

States with the highest number of violations:

Texas: 35,000+ cases.
California: 28,000+ cases.
Florida: 25,000+ cases.

🚨 Most Commonly Detected Drugs in Positive Tests

The most common substances found in positive Clearinghouse drug tests include:

Marijuana (Δ9-THCA): 173,805 cases.
Cocaine (BZE): 48,021 cases.
Methamphetamine (MET/MAMP): 24,918 cases.
Amphetamines (AMP): 23,209 cases.
Opiates: Over 20,000 combined cases.

🔎 Concerning Fact: Marijuana remains the most detected drug in drug tests, accounting for over 58% of positive results. Despite its legalization in some states, it is still federally prohibited for commercial drivers under DOT regulations.

⚠️ The Major Risk for Companies

Failing to check your drivers in the Clearinghouse exposes your company to:

Fines and penalties from the FMCSA.
Severe accidents and lawsuits that could cost millions of dollars.
Issues with insurance companies, which may deny coverage for drug or alcohol-related incidents.
Damage to your company’s reputation, potentially losing clients and major contracts.

Additionally, over 138,000 drivers have not even started their return-to-duty (RTD) process, indicating severe non-compliance in the industry. This not only endangers other road users but also affects the operational efficiency of transportation fleets.

🏛️ How to Stay Compliant and Protect Your Fleet

✔️ Conduct periodic Clearinghouse checks.

✔️ Ensure your drivers follow the return-to-duty (RTD) process.

✔️ Enroll your company in a drug and alcohol testing program.

✔️ Train your staff on the risks and consequences of non-compliance.

✔️ Maintain updated records and regularly check your drivers’ status.

📌 Conclusion

The Clearinghouse is an essential tool for maintaining road safety and preventing legal issues for your company. With over 180,000 drivers in prohibited status and no return-to-duty process in place, the risk for transportation companies continues to grow.

💡 Don’t wait. Protect your company and avoid penalties.