INFOGRAPHIC: What You Need to Know About Reasonable Suspicion & Training

According to Section 382.603 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), all individuals who supervise drivers must receive Reasonable Suspicion Training. This training is to equip supervisors with the necessary knowledge to recognize drivers showing signs of impairment by drugs or alcohol and take appropriate steps to get them tested. This is a big responsibility because missing the warning signs and letting an impaired driver on the road could leave the business liable if they cause property damage, personal injury or death. For a look at what is involved with reasonable suspicion and the training, check out this infographic:

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What You Need to Know About Reasonable Suspicion & Training

What Reasonable Suspicion Training Entails

• 1 hour of training on the signs and symptoms associated with drug use
• 1 hour of training on the signs and symptoms associated with alcohol abuse

Goals of Reasonable Suspicion Training

Completing reasonable suspicion training will enable you to:

• Understand the regulations associated with reasonable suspicion testing
• Recognize impaired drivers
• Know how to approach drivers professionally and respectfully
• Understand how to begin the reasonable suspicion process
• Correctly complete required documentation

Steps of the Reasonable Suspicion Process*

Step 1: Receive & Document Complaints from Co-Workers or Clients

Step 2: Observe the Driver in Question (Multiple Managers Should Observe When Possible)

Step 3: Keep the Driver Off the Road

Step 4: Document Observations

Step 5: Assess the Situation & Determine if Further Action is Required

Step 6: Meet with the Driver to Brief Him or Her on the Situation. Be Professional & Not Accusatory

Step 7: Arrange Transportation for the Driver

Step 8: Send the Driver for Testing

Step 9: Wait for the Results

Step 10: Respond to the Driver’s Refusal to Take the Test (if necessary)

Step 11: Respond Appropriately to the Test Results

* According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)