Importance of MVRs and drug screening

Why an MVR Verification is Important

Employee driving records can greatly assist employers in identifying and mitigating liability for hazards in the workplace. Driving records can help employers avoid the risk of third-party lawsuits, medical bills, and other costs associated with car accidents by an employee whose primary or even incidental role includes driving on the job.

An MVR verification includes license details, such as state issued, state, expiration, suspensions, revocations, violations, and penalties. MVR reports are easy to read and include standardized ACD violation codes.

MVR’s driving record is mostly repeated. Therefore, if a company conducts an MVR check, it could predict the chances of some negative activity occurring in the future. Additionally, insurance companies focus on various factors to determine auto insurance rates, and their premiums are sometimes based on driving history records. If a business employs drivers with a negative driving record, the insurance company may charge you higher premiums. Knowing the MVR driving records helps companies protect themselves from higher premiums.

Driving records should be checked at least once a year; however, it is recommended to check them more frequently to proactively determine if there have been any changes in driving history and to further reduce company liability.

A real-time MVR ordering and monitoring system can provide companies with instant verification of their company’s controllers.

Why is drug screening important for drivers?

Generally, all CDL drivers operating commercial motor vehicles subject to CDL requirements on US public roads and performing safety-sensitive functions are subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing. This includes all full-time, part-time, intermittent, backup, and international drivers. DOT truck drivers must take a drug test prior to employment. This should be done once a year, after any accident, and if there is a suspicion that a driver is using drugs. Additionally, CDL drivers must be randomly tested throughout the year.

The DOT drug screening test requires laboratory tests for the following five classes of drugs:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Opiates: derivatives of opium and codeine
• Amphetamines and methamphetamines
• Phencyclidine – PCP.

DOT alcohol testing identifies an alcohol concentration of 0.02 and higher.

NOTE: Beginning January 1, 2018, CDL drivers will be tested for four semisynthetic opioids (i.e., Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Hydromorphone, Oxymorphone). Some common names for these semisynthetic opioids include OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid®, Exalgo®. Additionally, MDEA testing will no longer be performed.

When drivers use drugs, their motor skills suffer and their reaction times are severely hampered. This can be dangerous and lead to accidents. Proper drug screening ensures that a business has healthy drivers on the road.