ALCOHOL/DRUG AWARENESS FOR CDL DRIVERS

Scope:  This training is required by the Department of Transportation for all persons who hold a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and drive commercial motor vehicles on campus. A commercial motor vehicle is defined as a vehicle used to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle:

• Has a gross weight of 26, 001 or more pounds
• Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver
• Is of any size and is used to transport hazardous materials requiring placarding

A 2-hour training class is also required for the driver’s immediate supervisor.

Overview:  The purpose of this training is to prevent accidents from the misuses of alcohol or use of controlled substances by drivers of commercial motor vehicles. As many as 50% of all traffic fatalities are a result of drug or alcohol abuse. Because drug and alcohol abuse have become such a major problem, the Department of Transportation has passed regulations requiring that all CDL drivers undergo drug and alcohol awareness training and be tested for drug or alcohol abuse.  Drivers will receive training about the effects of alcohol and drugs, university policies and procedures, testing requirements, penalties, and how and where drivers can get help for substance abuse. Supervisors of drivers will receive training concerning alcohol misuse and drug use. Training will include the signs and symptoms used to determine reasonable suspicion testing.