Drug abuse is on the rise across the country and truck drivers are not immune to this unfortunate trend.
In fact, a trucker’s lifestyle makes him even more susceptible to the seduction of drug use—specifically prescription drug use—than other drivers.
Crossing the (Dead)Line: Why Truckers Use Drugs
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription drug abuse is the intentional misuse of regulated medication in a way other than prescribed or for the specific reason to feel its effects.
For instance, people abuse pain relievers, tranquilizers, and stimulants to feel “high,” forget their problems, or feel numb to outside influences (physical and psychological). Truck drivers, on the other hand, tend to abuse prescription drugs for the sake of their jobs.
Medicating to Cope
Due to their stressful schedules, long hours, and cramped quarters, many truck drivers turn to sleep aids and drugs to cope. Rather than jeopardizing their jobs by complaining or having a doctor tell them that they can no longer drive long distances, they turn to pills to:
Combat Fatigue
Truckers must drive for long periods of time without breaks in order to make deadlines. Unfortunately, this lifestyle can take its toll, both physically and mentally, as drivers ignore exhaustion to cover more miles.
To combat the effects of fatigue, many truckers take prescription stimulants such as ADHD or narcolepsy medication in the hope that they will make them more alert and energized. Although this type of dangerous behavior can put themselves and other drivers at risk, the pressure they get from their employers to make deliveries on time causes some drivers to ignore these potential consequences.
Fight Pain
If you’ve ever taken a road trip or had to drive for longer than two hours, you know that sitting in one position for too long can wreak havoc on your body. In addition to back pain and spasms from a rigid posture, your legs and hips cramp up from constantly moving your foot from gas to brake and brake to gas. Now imagine this pain and discomfort amplified as a result of routinely driving twelve hours or more a day. It isn’t pleasant.
Consequently, many truckers will take (and abuse) prescription-grade medications to relieve some of these discomforts. Furthermore, once these drivers begin taking these powerful pain-relieving drugs, it’s hard to stop. Worse, many painkillers carry warnings against taking them when operating heavy machinery. You don’t get much heavier than a semi.
Drug Abuse Cause and Effect
Regardless of the reason a truck driver chooses to abuse prescription meds, the bottom line is that their poor decision can ultimately cause a serious accident on the road. Truck drivers under the influence of drugs may not be able to…
- Think or focus properly.
- React quickly.
- See clearly.
- Control their vehicles.
There have been instances of drugged drivers losing consciousness, overdosing, suffering cardiac arrest, or dying while maneuvering their rigs right there on the highway.
Although there are some perfectly legitimate and legal ways to handle fatigue and pain, abusing drugs is not one of them. Whether a truck driver chooses to take drugs for energy, focus, or recreation, getting behind the wheel while on drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. Due to this fact, as well as the growing number of truckers guilty of drug abuse, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is working to create the National Drug and Alcohol Database. This database will work to ensure that a trucker’s failed or refused drug test becomes a permanent, accessible record for employers.
Trucking Company DUI Accidents
Trucking companies are required to comply with federal drug and alcohol regulations, including Department of Transportation (DOT) supervisor training. Under federal law, trucking companies must immediately remove drivers from service when they test positive for drugs or alcohol, refuse to be tested, or violate DOT drug and alcohol rules.
DOT Drug and Alcohol Supervisor Training
Under 49 CFR 382.603, commercial motor vehicle drivers must receive 60 minutes of training on the symptoms of alcohol abuse, and another 60 minutes of training on controlled substance symptoms. This training is intended to help supervisors determine when a driver is using alcohol or drugs, supporting referral of the driver for testing.
Anyone who’s considered a safety-sensitive employee under DOT regulations is subject to drug and alcohol testing, and this includes all commercial drivers’ license holders who operate commercial vehicles. Supervisors must refer a driver for alcohol or drug testing when they suspect a driver has:
- Used alcohol or illicit drugs while they were assigned to perform, or actually performing, safety-sensitive functions.
- Reported for service or remained on duty when they had a blood alcohol concentration of .04 or above.
- Consumed alcohol within four hours of reporting for service.
- Used a controlled substance not prescribed by an authorized medical practitioner.
- Refused to submit to any test for alcohol or controlled substances.
- Refused to submit to any test by adulterating or substituting their specimen.
Trucking Company Negligence
If you were injured due to a collision with an intoxicated truck driver, an experienced truck accident attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will investigate to determine if the trucking company is guilty of negligence due to improper drug and alcohol testing procedures. If so, you may be entitled to collect damages for your medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.
What This Means for Your Truck Accident Recovery
If you believe that the driver who caused your truck wreck was impaired or had abused medication or drugs, reach out to our firm today via live chat to get the answers you need quickly. The truck driver’s negligence could be grounds for a suit in which you could seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages from missed time at work, and even pain and emotional suffering.
For more information about how these cases work, call the office of Attorney Steve Lee today at 800-232-3711 or fill out the quick contact form on this page.