Pubdate: Mon, 01 Aug 2005
Source: Standard-Times (MA)
Copyright: 2005 The Standard-Times
Contact:  http://www.s-t.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/422
Author: Stephen Fernandes
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

CAB OPERATORS SHOULD HAVE TO TAKE A DRUG TEST

Recently, I read an article in a New York newspaper about a coked-up cabby 
who drove a taxi into another car and killed a respectable businessman who 
leaves behind two children. The man's wife was in serious condition. It was 
another death due to drugs, or more to the point, driving under the 
influence of drugs.

The cabby, who had leased the taxi for the day, was also high on 
prescription drugs. As a former cab driver (since 1968), I would suggest 
that the city of New Bedford mandate yearly drug tests for taxi owners and 
their taxi drivers.

Why? Because cab companies can afford it. And it's the right thing to do to 
set an example, because drugs happen here. One major cab company in the 
city charges about $98 to lease a cab for a 12-hour shift. This company 
grosses more than $2 million annually. These companies can afford yearly 
drug tests for all employees.

Stephen Fernandes

New Bedford 
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MAP posted-by: Beth