Exercise
DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Rules | Reasonable Suspicion
EXERCISE #2
Target Audience: All supervisors who supervise CDL drivers
Exercise Objective: To review signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug use to better prepare trainees
to make reasonable suspicion determinations
Instructions: Have trainees complete the worksheet below. Then discuss the results as a group and
answer any questions.
1.
Identify three signs or symptoms of possible alcohol use.
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2.
Identify three signs or symptoms of possible drug use. (You can choose general signs and
symptoms or identify signs and symptoms of a particular drug.)
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3.
Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused illegal drugs in the workplace. This makes it especially
important for you to be able to identify specific signs and symptoms of marijuana use. Identify:
One piece of evidence that might indicate the presence of marijuana:
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One physical symptom of marijuana use:
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One behavioral symptom of marijuana use:
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4.
Identify three possible effects drug or alcohol use could have on an employee’s performance that
could create a serious safety hazard and lead to an accident.
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Exercise
DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Rules | Reasonable Suspicion
GUIDANCE
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1. Evidence of the presence of alcohol
includes bottles, cans, and other containers
in which alcoholic beverages have been
purchased and/or consumed; bottle caps
from alcohol containers; bottle or can
openers; drivers drinking from paper bags;
and the odor of alcohol from containers or
on a driver’s breath.
Physical symptoms of alcohol use
include poor reflexes, slurred speech, loss
of coordination, and an unsteady gait.
Behavioral symptoms include increased
talkativeness, reduced emotional control,
distorted judgment, impaired driving ability,
and significant impairment of thinking and
memory.
2. There are many possible signs and symptoms
of drug use. Most depend on the type of drug.
However, there are some signs and symptoms
that the drugs DOT requires you to test for have
in common. For example:
• Drug paraphernalia and bags or vials
containing drugs
• Secretiveness or defensiveness
• Slurred or slow speech
• Visible physical symptoms such as dilated
or constricted pupils, sweating, drowsiness
or fatigue, and impaired coordination
• Behavioral symptoms such as mood
swings, a false sense of confidence or
power, confusion, talkativeness, and either
apathy, restlessness, or even aggression
(For signs and symptoms of specific drugs, refer to
the information in the PowerPoint® presentation.)
3. Specific signs and symptoms of marijuana use
include the following:
• Evidence of the presence of marijuana
includes plastic baggies, smoking papers,
roach clip holders, small pipes or bongs,
and the distinctive odor.
• Physical symptoms of marijuana use
include red eyes, stained fingertips, chronic
fatigue, irritating cough, slowed speech,
impaired motor coordination, altered
perception, and increased appetite.
• Behavioral symptoms include impaired
memory, time-space distortion, feeling of
euphoria, panic reactions, paranoia,
careless attitude, and a false sense of
power.
4. Making effective reasonable suspicion
determinations is so important because drug or
alcohol use either on the job or before coming
to work can have a devastating effect on worker
safety. Either alcohol or illegal drugs deprive
commercial drivers of most of the tools they rely
on to perform their jobs safely. Substance use
can negatively affect a driver’s:
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Vision
Reflexes
Coordination
Emotions
Aggressiveness
Judgment