Driving that train, high on cocaine Casey Jones you better watch your speed

Trains Magazine
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Railroading always some interesting types working for it.

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and CSX has done away with Operation Red Block.

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Thread title is questionable.

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Then report it.

However, I thought I would join the club of thumbing my nose at the rules, and quoting a song from The Dead that fits the story.

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I hope you continue on a lively path. I still like the Dead.

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Cocaine doesnā€™t appear to be in the cocktail he was using.

The fascinating part is they ran for six hours without the conductor saying anything, then two more hours with him locked in a trailing cab. If there were concern about ā€˜the publicā€™ why did the conductor not pull the air?

And did no one else notice strange behavior when the engineer answered the call?

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When I read the title, I knew right away what the subject was about. I read the linked article earlier.

The article makes it sound like the train was stopped where access was easy. Info provided by someone working that district said law officers and UP officials had to hi-rail to the train. There was a physical altercation after the train had stopped, after which the conductor went to the trailing unit.

Everyone wonders why they even left their on duty terminal with the engineerā€™s condition. It makes me wonder of the actual time line of the engineerā€™s impairment and worsening thereof.

The article mentions prescription medications. There are medications that are prohibited even with prescription while subject to duty. Itā€™s up to the employee to notify their doctor about such restrictions and I wonder if he wasnā€™t taking some of those restricted ones.

Both the engineer and conductor were said to be in IP status, Investigation Pending. The conductor possibly for the altercation and/or not taking action earlier.

Jeff

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I am curious do they allow any drugs while operating a train? Is it just the drugs that result in performance impairment that are banned?

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I donā€™t know about the railroads but I recall a patient I had who was a pilot. I diagnosed him with ADHD, instructive type, a moderate case. However he couldnā€™t use any of the typical stimulants because they were banned by the FAA. I always felt it was ironic that he was not allowed to ameliorate his impairment.

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Is Operation Red Block still operative on UP?

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Yes, UP still has Operation Red Block.

Jeff

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Only drugs that can cause impairment, and I think those that might show positive on a urine test for a period of time after taking the last dose, are prohibited when subject to duty.

Jeff

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So do they allow meds such as Adderall?

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I didnā€™t see that name on the list of restricted medications. However, the list is of medications that can be taken but must have 8 or more hours from being taken and going on duty. It isnā€™t a list, except for one type of pain medication, of medications never permitted. I recall seeing a list of never permitted medications, but canā€™t find it.

Jeff

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Made me open the thread. So it worked.

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Depending on the substance(s) in question, one could probably dose up just before going on duty, with the stuff kicking in whilst actually on duty. Or, if easily concealable, take it while on duty.

We usually get tested on arrival on the property. Iā€™ve heard it suggested that some testing should occur during the workday, or even when going off duty, to catch those who would partake while on duty.

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In a similar vein - Tiger Woods was just arrested after and automobile accident for DUI - AFTER a field sobriety breath test of 0.00

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I read here in Germany that he apparently refused to take a urine test for drugs at the scene of the accident.
Refards, Volker

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In regards to random testing, if we fall into the window for testing when going on duty, they only do a breathalyzer test. They donā€™t do the ā€œwhiz quizā€ going on duty because the samples are sent to a lab and results wonā€™t be known for a few days. Iā€™ve heard they are worried about liability if one tested positive for a prohibited substance and they allowed them to continue on duty.

Going off duty and we get both breathalyzer and urine tested. Refusing the tests is grounds for termination. Not being able to provide a urine sample within three hours is considered a refusal to take the test.

Jeff

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How can you be arrested with a 0.0 unless it was something other than alcohol?