A large number of road accidents have been linked to substance abuse. They have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities that have affected countless lives. These cases are entirely preventable and governments have stepped up to make sure that the numbers go down. For example, drunk driving laws include strict penalties and rigorous testing to discourage such behavior. Tighter regulation is in place for commercial drivers as they are in control of massive vehicles that are prone to crashes and disastrous consequences. One such regulation calls for DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training aimed at the supervisors of drivers with commercial licenses.
Why Training is Necessary
The consumption of drugs and alcohol is known to have negative effects on the user. These substances can dull the senses such that drivers will not be able to see or hear clearly what’s right in front of them. They may be slower to react to stimulus which makes them vulnerable to dangers that would otherwise be easy to avoid. Some might fall asleep at the wheel or see things that aren’t there while driving. Their decision-making could be impaired and their behaviors might be more aggressive than normal. Those who are in the position to see the signs and intervene should be able to do so immediately.
Who Should Take It?
This DOT training is required for supervisors of drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles. Owner-operators are not covered under this regulation, although they do have to join a consortium and follow the rules for those. However, those who operate vehicles on public roads that need a commercial driver’s license and have two or more employees in the company have to undergo the supervisor training. The responsibility to make sure that all supervisors learn about the content of the lessons falls on the employer. Trainees will always have to option to choose their content provider.
What to Expect During Training
The whole training program is only two hours long. It is separated into two parts: a 60-minute training on alcohol abuse symptoms and another 60-minute session on the controlled substances use symptoms. The goal is for supervisors to identify indicators of DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training of drug or alcohol usage. If so, then they will have the grounds to refer their employee for testing. The proper testing protocols will also be taught. Supervisors will get valuable instruction on how to conduct practical intervention. They will learn how to confront employees in various scenarios and how to respond with sensitivity. A certificate will be given for those who have successfully completed the program.