Truck accidents are frequent on roads, involving thousands of trucks annually, with high fatalities and injuries, often to drivers and passengers of other vehicles.
One of the common reasons for these truck accidents is the use of drugs and alcohol by truck drivers. If you or your loved ones have been involved in a truck driver drug and alcohol use accident, speak with a personal injury attorney specialized in these types of cases immediately.
Why is substance abuse widespread among truck drivers?
An NTSB study found that 33% of truck drivers killed in accidents tested positive for psychoactive drugs, with marijuana and alcohol being the most common, followed by stimulants.
Okay, the statistics tell us the drug is so common among truck drivers, but why? The answer is actually pretty simple. The job of being a truck driver isn’t easy, and it can be very stressful. Common driving factors include:
Pressured to meet deadlines
Many truck drivers are often pressured by their employers to finish jobs beyond the limit. They’re often incentivized to do the extra job that’s undoable. Drivers use drugs as a way to boost themselves so they can do an extra job.
Isolation and wreckage of mental health
Long-haul truck drivers take drugs to deal with the unbearable hours of solitude, which creates isolation, depression, and anxiety. The drugs numb the feeling of loneliness.
To combat fatigue and long driving hours
Truck drivers with long hours on the road take stimulants like amphetamines to stay alert and awake for extended periods.
Lack of resources
Poor healthcare and a lack of help needed for these drivers push them to rely on drugs as a coping mechanism. Especially, young drivers are more likely to be involved in substance abuse than experienced truck drivers.
Common drugs that are taken by truck drivers
- Alcohol—the most prevalent drug used by truck drivers
- Marijuana—Studies show that around 20% of truck drivers regularly use marijuana.
- Stimulants—Amphetamine, meth, and cocaine are popular stimulant drugs that help truck drivers stay awake for long hours.
- Prescription medications—Xanax and Ambien—are used by truck drivers to alleviate the pain from overworking and are often obtained illegally.
How drug and alcohol use lead to truck accidents
Some of the common causes for truck accidents fueled by alcohol and truck accidents:
Impaired judgement and decision-making
Drugs and alcohol restrict the drivers’ ability to make clear and rational decisions. These irrational choices can include improper lane changes and ignoring traffic rules, increasing the likelihood of accidents happening.
Over-drowsiness and fatigue
Even though drugs and stimulants can aid temporary alertness for drivers, once the effects start to wear off, drivers lose focus and become very weary and fatigued. Some may even hallucinate, and once they take their eyes off the road, accidents happen.
Slower reaction times
Intoxicated drivers are often unable to respond to conditions and hazards on the road. Every fraction of a second is important on the road. Even a delay for a second can lead to fatal accidents.
Aggressive and erratic behavior
Drugs sometimes can make drivers act erratically and cause psychological impairments. They may aggressively speed the vehicle, tailgate, and drive the truck in a strange manner, ignoring vehicle and traffic safety altogether.
Poor vehicle control
Alcohol and drugs affect a driver’s capacity and usual driving skills, making it difficult for them to operate a large vehicle, especially during emergencies or bad weather conditions, paving the way for potential collisions and rollovers.
Impaired cognitive ability
Drugs can affect a driver’s cognitive ability to concentrate and have a clear perception and memory on the road. They often ignore safety measures on the road, which can lead to accidents.
Key takeaways
- Substance abuse is common among truck drivers because of factors like pressure to meet deadlines, isolation, and long driving hours.
- Common drugs used by truck drivers are stimulants, marijuana, alcohol, and prescription medications.
- Drugs affect drivers’ ability to make rational decisions.
- Once the effects of drugs wear off, drivers feel drowsy and fatigued.
- Drugs cause drivers to have slower reaction times during emergencies and act very aggressively on the road.
- Drivers’ motor skills are affected by drugs, leading to accidents.
- Drugs affect the ability to concentrate and maintain proper cognitive function.
This article was written for WHN by Pamela Paige, a committed writer and precise editor with a strong focus on legal and healthcare subjects. She believes in the power of words to educate, inspire, and make a lasting impact. Her mission is to simplify complex legal and medical topics into clear, reader-friendly content that informs and empowers the general public. When she’s not writing, she enjoys diving into fiction, staying current with marketing trends, and exploring personal growth through self-help literature.
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