When is Drug & Alcohol Testing Required in a Post-Accident situation?
Not every accident will constitute a post-accident drug and alcohol test. Please use the table below for determining whether or not a driver must submit to testing.
| Type of Accident Involved | Citation Issued to the CMV Driver | Test Must Be Performed by Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Human Fatality | Yes | Yes |
| Human Fatality | No | Yes |
| Bodily Injury With Immediate Medical Treatment Away From the Scene | Yes | Yes |
| Bodily Injury With Immediate Medical Treatment Away From the Scene | No | No |
| Disabling Damage to Any Motor Vehicle Requiring Tow Away | Yes | Yes |
| Disabling Damage to Any Motor Vehicle Requiring Tow Away | No | No |
FMCSA requires specific time frames for testing to be completed post-accident. Drivers must remain available for testing until a determination is made as to whether or not they were at fault.DOT drug tests must be administered within 32 hours. If a post-accident test is not complete within the time frame, the employer is responsible for documenting why the test was not taken and all efforts must cease.DOT breath alcohol tests must be administered within 2 hours. If a post-accident test is not complete within the time frame, the employer is responsible for documenting why the test was not taken and all efforts must cease after 8 hours.
*Note that breathalyzers/DUI evaluations by officers on a scene cannot be used. DOT tests must be administered.
Here is a referral for two national after-hours/post-accident test locator companies. Please note that on-site testing is at your expense yet if for example you’re an employer and have an employee involved in valid post-accident required testing, then its just the cost of doing business to remain DOT compliant:
US Drug Testing Services
Bob Larrabee, Melanie Spiegelberg
Toll Free: 800.914.2416
FAX: 919.556.0997
Pager: 920.529.0999
bob@usdrugtestingservices.com
melanie@usdrugtestingservices.com
EMSI
Examination Management Services, Inc.
1-800-421-EMSI (3674)
