Why does the DOT require drug and alcohol testing?

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires drug and alcohol testing for employees in safety-sensitive positions to help ensure the safety and security of transportation systems. Drug and alcohol use can impair an employee's ability to perform critical job functions, particularly in safety-sensitive positions such as commercial drivers, pilots, and railroad workers.

Drug and alcohol testing is designed to deter drug and alcohol use, identify employees who may have a substance abuse problem, and assist those employees in getting the help they need. DOT drug and alcohol testing also helps to identify and remove from safety-sensitive positions those employees who test positive for drugs or alcohol.

The specific drug and alcohol testing requirements for DOT-regulated employers are outlined in the DOT's regulations, which specify which substances must be tested for, the types of tests that must be used, the procedures for sample collection and testing, and the consequences of a positive test result.

Overall, the DOT requires drug and alcohol testing to promote safety in transportation industries by deterring substance abuse, identifying and assisting employees who may have a substance abuse problem, and removing from safety-sensitive positions those employees who test positive for drugs or alcohol.