Operating a heavy duty truck or trailer is a very responsible and serious job which requires the truckers to be mindful, alert, and focused. However, it has been reported by various studies that a large number of truck drivers are involved in substance abuse and alcohol consumption. According to a recent data analysis, 27.6% drivers consume drugs including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines. 21.3% of drivers from these consume amphetamines where 2.2% use cocaine. Alcohol consumption is also extremely common among these individuals. Another study by the American Addiction Centers report that 30% of truck drivers confessed for abusing amphetamines. As per the research done by AZ Services, findings report that truckers consume stimulant substances to enhance their productivity and stay awake. But, high doses of these drugs and chronic usage can severely impact their health and put them and others at high risk of fatal accidents.
Consequences of Drug Abuse among Truck-Drivers
Fatal Injuries Due to Drugged-Driving
Heavy-duty trucks are mostly operated on highways where other vehicles are also moving in a much greater speed. Drugged drivers can possibly hit other vehicles, miss important traffic signs, cross lanes, and hit other objects. In such cases, it is more likely that other drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians will suffer greater injuries. These injuries are mostly fatal and include loss of limbs, traumatic brain injury, organ damages, multiple fractures, spinal cord damage, paralysis, burns, chemical exposure, and more. Mostly, in such tragic accidents, the person will probably die as a result of the crash with a heavy truck.
Decreased Reaction Time
Use of drugs by truck drivers can affect their cognitive skills and cause a reduction in their reaction time. Opioids and drugs like marijuana have a massive impact on a driver’s ability to react to any changes in the upcoming traffic, important traffic signs, and any alteration in the running of the vehicle. The driver will not be able to effectively judge the distances, speed, and presence of other vehicles or pedestrians on the road. This reduced reaction time can certainly result in massive accidents and cause serious injuries.
Aggressive Driving
Drug abuse is also said to increase the aggressive driving behavior in truck drivers. Many stimulants including cocaine provides high for temporary period which makes the drivers consume it in higher doses. A lot of truck drivers abuse cocaine repeatedly and suffer from paranoia, irritability, restlessness, and panic attacks in result. These symptoms lead the drivers to engage in risky driving and aggressive behaviour while operating a heavy truck. Besides cocaine, amphetamines are also known to prompt truckers for aggressive and speedy driving beyond the limits.
Conclusion
As per a number of studies, around 30% truck drivers are involved in drug abuse and alcohol consumption in the US. These drugs include amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, opioids, and marijuana. Chronic use of these drugs can affect the drivers’ health negatively and also put them at risk of accidents. There are a number of consequences of drug abuse in truck drivers including slower reaction times, aggressive driving, and fatal injuries due to vehicle crashes.
