Post-Accident Drug & Alcohol Testing: An Overview
Post-accident drug & alcohol testing is an essential part of FMCSA workplace safety programs. Being aware of the required processes can ensure that the post-accident testing is completed promptly and within FMCSA regulations.
For a detailed and complete summary of all FMCSA Post-Accident Testing regulations, refer to Title 49 § 382.303.
What warrants post-accident testing?
Per FMCSA regulation, there are three types of incidents warrant post-accident testing:
- A driver receives a citation for a moving traffic violation, and one or more persons involved in the accident immediately receive medical treatment away from the scene of the accident.
- A driver receives a citation for a moving traffic violation and one or more of the vehicles involved in the accident is towed from the scene.
- A driver is involved in an accident that results in a fatality. No citation for a moving traffic violation is necessary in this scenario, nor does the driver need to be deemed at fault.
When should post-accident tests be performed?
Per FMCSA regulation, post-accident drug testing must be performed within 32 hours of the incident.
Post-accident alcohol testing should be conducted within 2 hours; however, if the test is not conducted within 2 hours, employers should continue to make efforts to have the driver tested within 8 hours of the accident. A statement should also be prepared and maintained on file as to why the alcohol test was not administered within the 2 hour timeframe.
Regardless of the required time windows, it is ideal for these tests to be performed as soon as possible after the accident.
How can employers schedule a post-accident test?
If an employer is notified that one of their drivers was involved in an accident that meets the requirements for post-accident testing, they should contact their Third Party Administrator (TPA) if they have one; otherwise, they will need to schedule the tests themselves.
The below processes are specific to TEAM. Please contact your respective TPA for an overview of their specific post-accident test scheduling processes.
Don’t have a TPA? Learn more about TEAM’s Drug & Alcohol services here.
During Business Hours
Employers can call TEAM to schedule a post-accident drug and alcohol test after learning that one of their drivers was involved in an accident. A Customer Excellence representative will ask for the driver’s information and the location where the test will need to be performed. From there, the representative will locate a clinic fitting the requirements and schedule the test(s).
After Business Hours
If an accident occurs outside of normal business hours, employers can call the main TEAM phone line and provide details to the automatic answering service. This information will be forwarded to a TEAM employee, who will then be able to locate a facility or on-site service for post-accident testing.
