Trucking Industry Sounds Alarm on Highway Safety Risks of Marijuana Reclassification

ATA Calls on DOT to Address Potential Testing Challenges

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to address potential safety concerns on the roads if the Department of Justice (DOJ) moves forward with reclassifying marijuana.

In a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the ATA expressed its worries about the impact this policy shift could have on commercial drivers and overall highway safety. The reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug could potentially limit the ability of the trucking industry and other transportation sectors to conduct drug testing for marijuana use.

Impaired Driving and Marijuana: A Growing Concern

“Maintaining the ability to test for marijuana use is critical for the safety of our transportation system,” said Dan Horvath, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Safety Policy for the ATA. “Without clear guidelines and reliable testing methods, we risk putting impaired drivers on the road.”

The ATA highlights the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana. They point to statistics showing that marijuana use is on the rise in fatal crashes, with deaths involving marijuana more than doubling between 2000 and 2018. Additionally, they cite a rise in marijuana-related traffic injuries in Canada following its legalisation in 2018.

The lack of a standardised test for marijuana impairment, similar to the blood alcohol content (BAC) test for drunk driving, is a major concern for the trucking industry. Unlike alcohol, marijuana affects drivers differently, making it difficult to determine impairment levels.

Public Health and Safety at Stake: ATA Seeks Collaboration

While the ATA doesn’t take a stance on marijuana legalisation itself, they emphasise the public health and safety risks associated with potential impaired driving on the national highways. They urge the DOT to collaborate on ensuring continued drug testing for safety-sensitive positions in transportation sectors like trucking, bussing, airlines, and railways.

This letter is part of the ATA’s ongoing efforts to advocate for highway safety in the face of potential marijuana reclassification. Last month, they sent similar letters to the DOJ, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the DOT.

The trucking industry’s concerns highlight the complex issue of marijuana legalisation and its impact on public safety. As the debate surrounding marijuana continues, ensuring safe roadways remains a top priority for both the transportation industry and the government.