The State : Random Drug Tests Backed

A new poll indicates that 83% of Californians would be willing to take a random drug test. The willingness of people to be tested “shows how strongly the public wants a drug-free society, particularly in areas where they are putting their lives in the hands of people in critical occupations,” said Mervin Field, director of the California Poll. The poll showed that a large majority of Californians favor random drug testing for many occupations, especially in the areas of transportation and public safety. “Very large majorities of between 89% and 92% would like to see airline pilots, bus drivers, train engineers, ship captains, police officers and firefighters be required to submit to random testing,” Field said. “Somewhat smaller but still large majorities would also include all state elected officials, public school teachers and professional and college athletes.”