Panel OKs Random Drug Tests for Transit Industry

The Senate Commerce Committee Tuesday easily approved a controversial measure to require random drug testing of airline and railroad employees as well as millions of commercial truck and bus drivers.

Although the measure cleared the committee by a 19-1 vote, it likely will spur intense debate when it reaches the Senate floor because of questions about its constitutionality and concerns about how such a massive plan would be implemented.

Expands Dole Action

Nevertheless, supporters of the measure praised it as a needed step to help cope with a nationwide problem.

“I think we need to do all we can to make sure that we’re traveling in a drug-free society,” Federal Aviation Administrator Donald D. Engen told reporters.

The measure expands on action taken earlier this year by Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Hanford Dole, who announced a program of random drug tests for airline pilots, flight crews and department workers who hold safety-related jobs.

At the time, Dole called for legislation to provide authority for similar tests for train operators, but expressed concern that extending the tests to the trucking industry might be too unwieldy.

The Senate committee, however, in the bill drafted by Chairman Ernest F. Hollings (D-S.C.) and ranking Republican member John C. Danforth of Missouri, chose to provide the broader scope.

Danforth cited a study released Monday by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that found illegal drugs in 18% of 300 truck drivers who agreed to be tested.

“It is time for the federal government to strike hard and fast against substance abuse in transportation,” Danforth said. “Key employees should be detected for substance abuse on a random basis and not only after people have died in an accident.”

The legislation would require the Transportation Department to draw up requirements for pre-employment tests, periodic random checks and tests for use in accident cases.

Roadside Checks

There is also a provision for an experimental program of roadside checks in four yet-to-be determined states.