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Some truckers support proposal for database: Privacy concerns might prevent compilation of information on professional drivers, lawmakers and other officials say.
(Reading Eagle (PA) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Apr. 14--Clarence McKee has seen some bad truckers in his 38 years driving the big rigs.
And, he said, truckers driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol pose a greater risk to other motorists than the average driver.
So McKee, who lives in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, said Thursday that he supports the creation of a statewide database to compile employer records on truckers' drug and alcohol test results.
"If you get a guy with a drug problem driving one of these," McKee said, pointing to his truck at the Frystown All American Plaza truck stop in Bethel Township, "you might kill a lot of people."
The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, an industry group that represents trucking companies, is pushing for a database that would compile drug and alcohol test results as well as information on traffic violations and make the information available to trucking companies in the state.
But some state lawmakers and other officials said privacy concerns could prevent the creation of the database.
"I know it's something that employers want," said Paul Parsells, executive director of the House Transportation Committee for the Democratic caucus. "Whether we get there or not is another question.
"There is a real sensitivity to privacy in Pennsylvania."
State lawmakers have had preliminary discussions about the idea but have yet to take action.
Traffic violations and criminal convictions can be found on drivers' public records, but trucking companies say they often have no way to track whether drivers had any positive drug or alcohol tests at their previous jobs.
"The more our companies have the ability to check on the background of the drivers, the better it is going to be all around," said Don Siekerman, the truck association safety director.
Siekerman said a statewide database could include information about whether a driver's medical certification is up to date.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation does not compile data on drivers' drug and alcohol tests.
Federal law requires preemployment testing of drivers, as well as random testing and testing after most serious accidents.
Some other states have created such databases, while others are considering it.
Other Pennsylvania truckers at the Frystown truck stop off Interstate 78 also said they support creating the database.
Such information should be available to employers to weed out bad drivers, said Stan Zeager, a trucker from Bainbridge, Lancaster County.
"That way, you can get someone off the road that is not doing a good job," he said.
Jim A. Miller, a truck driver from Johnstown, Cambria County, said he does not mind the state keeping his driving records in a database.
But Miller said he figures most companies already perform background checks when interviewing potential employees.
And Len Hunsberger, a driver from Hatfield, Montgomery County, said he doesn't see the need to create a database when PennDOT keeps some records about drivers.
"I've been out here for 20 years," he said. "I've got nothing to hide."
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