This article from Australia piqued our interest as it discusses the relationship between drugs and fatal crashes. According to data from ACT Policing, about 50% of drivers involved in fatal accidents were under the influence of drugs. 70% of these cases involved the use of cannabis. Alcohol and methamphetamine were also involved in many incidents.
Author Lottie Twyford states that driving under the influence is a “wicked problem” that has gone unsolved in the country. We believe this issue pertains to jurisdictions in America given the extent to which marijuana has been legalized here.
Additionally, we were compelled to highlight the threat that lax marijuana laws pose. Widespread cannabis use can lead to preventable deaths when we let our guard down. With this in mind, it’s crucial for employers to assure that employees are not under the influence. This is especially true for workers in safety sensitive positions.
We encourage you to view additional research related to drugs and fatal crashes from The National Safety Council, which we discussed here . As a reminder, car crashes involving marijuana increased 300% between 2010 and 2013. Workers who tested positive for marijuana in the workplace had 55% more industrial accidents and 85% more injuries.
A SESCO employee satisfaction survey reveals that almost all employees (over 90%) want and expect a safe place to work. It’s safe to assume that most of the general public expects the same. Drugs and fatal crashes in the U.S. are on the rise, but employers need to step up and fine-tune their policies to prevent these problems.
James P. Randisi, President of Randisi & Associates, Inc., has since 1999 been helping employers protect their clients, workforce and reputation through implementation of employment screening and drug testing programs. This post does not constitute legal advice. Randisi & Associates, Inc. is not a law firm. Always contact competent employment legal counsel. To learn more about drugs and fatal crashes, Mr. Randisi can be contacted by phone at 410.494.0232 or Email: info@randisiandassociates.com or the website at randisiandassociates.com
