The Rate of Drug Use Among Truck Drivers

What is the longest road trip you’ve ever taken? Most folks who go on a family vacation might clock five to seven hours of driving time before pulling over to spend the night.

Truck drivers are allowed to drive up to 11 hours each day with just a 30-minute break. Why would they put themselves through such strenuous conditions? For a truck driver, it’s all about racking up the miles, making a delivery, and picking up the next load.

Because of this solitary life, truckers are at a higher risk of developing depression. That can lead to some turning to alcohol or other substances as a kind of coping mechanism. Unfortunately, that puts them at direct risk of driving while impaired.

Whenever a truck driver gets into an accident, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that drivers are automatically given a drug and alcohol screening if there are injuries as a result of the accident. The results of those tests can be part of the vital evidence your Reno truck accident attorney will collect to support your claim.

You’ll be in a much stronger position to present your case to an insurance carrier or before a jury when you’ve got the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp on your side.

Alarming Statistics

What is the rate of drug use among truck drivers? Information collected by American Addiction Centers is alarming. A recent study found that 27.6% of truck drivers who responded to the survey admitted to taking some kind of drugs. Of that group, 21.3% were taking amphetamines, while another 2.2% were using cocaine.

The reason given for the use of these stimulants is to help the drivers stay awake and clock in more miles. Of course, that also puts a target on every other driver on the road.

As mentioned above, FMCSA requires any driver with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to submit to drug and alcohol testing after an accident. They must also submit to testing before they are hired and at random times throughout the year.

The drug tests cover the following five classes of drugs:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Opioids
• Amphetamines and methamphetamines
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Some companies also test drivers’ hair samples. Those tests can show signs of drug use prior to 90 days.

Additional Driver-Related Causes of Truck Accidents

Drug use is not the only reason that truck accidents occur. Understanding what happened to cause a truck accident is crucial to determining who to hold accountable. These are some of the additional reasons why truck accidents happen:

Fatigue

Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to make their deliveries. Even with the service hour regulations enforced, these are still long and grueling hours on the road. There is no guarantee that their time off will be restful. The result is getting back on the road and trying to stay awake. That can spell disaster.

Reckless Driving

A semi-truck has a lot of power. The same reckless driving behavior that a car driver might engage in is compounded by an 18-wheeler. A truck driver who speeds, ignores traffic signals, tailgates, or merges without warning can leave a trail of destruction in their wake.

Distracted Driving

There are many ways that a truck driver can become distracted. Texting or communicating with other truck drivers might help keep them aware of approaching road conditions, but those communications can also lead to distractions. Eating, smoking, drinking, and adjusting controls are all forms of distraction that can take a driver’s eyes off the road.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

A truck needs to be consistently inspected to avoid potential breakdowns. Worn tires or brakes can trigger all kinds of dangerous conditions. If the truck is owned by a trucking company, it is the company’s responsibility to keep the truck properly maintained. Failure to do so will result in the truck company being held responsible for the accident.

Unsecured Cargo

When a truck’s cargo shifts during transport, it can create hazardous conditions for the driver to maintain control of their rig. This would be another scenario where a third party could be named as an at-fault party in a truck accident. The crew who loads the truck has to follow strict guidelines. If not, a truck could roll over, or cargo can spill onto the road, creating a hazard for other drivers.

If you have been the victim of a truck accident, you are entitled to a fair and fast resolution. This is not a battle you want to take on by yourself. The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp has helped many clients taking on trucking companies and their negligent drivers. We will investigate all aspects of the accident, starting with the potential drug use of the driver.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our office to set up a free case evaluation. We want to provide you with information and guidance about what should happen next.