How Often Do Truckers Drive While Impaired?

Impaired driving is such dangerous behavior, it is shocking that people still engage in the behavior. It is hard to imagine that a truck driver, who is responsible for an 80,000 pound vehicle, would drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not only is it against the law, but it also places everyone else on the road at serious risk. Below, our Tampa truck accident attorney outlines the prevalence of impaired truckers, and the reasoning behind it.

How Prevalent are Impaired Truck Drivers? 

While no one wants to think about it, truckers drive while impaired more often than people think. In a recent study, approximately 20,000 truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had alcohol in their system. In another survey, almost 20 percent of truckers admitted to binge drinking in the past. A further nine percent of truckers stated they drank alcohol every day.

While misusing alcohol is common among truck drivers, using drugs is even more common. In a different study, almost 30 percent of truckers reported that they regularly used drugs. Of these, 21 percent stated that they used amphetamines while two percent admitted to using cocaine. These stats only reflect the number of truck drivers who have admitted to drug or alcohol use. The actual numbers are likely much higher.

Why Do Truckers Drive While Impaired? 

Driving while impaired is such dangerous behavior, it is difficult to understand why anyone would engage in the behavior. However, there are many reasons truckers use alcohol or drugs while behind the wheel. These include:

• Tight deadlines: Truck drivers spend many long hours on the road trying to meet tight deadlines. These long hours can result in truck driver fatigue, which diminishes alertness and impairs cognitive function. This can result in truck drivers making mistakes that increase the likelihood of an accident. Some truck drivers choose to use prescription medication or cocaine to help them stay awake, which can create dependency issues.
• Demands of the job: There are a number of pressures in the trucking industry that also contribute to impaired drivers. The competitive nature of meeting tight deadlines can cause drivers to become anxious and stressed. Additionally, many truckers are independent contractors and may take on additional loads and work longer hours. Truckers may misuse alcohol or drugs to self-medicate themselves.
• Boredom: While spending so much time on the road, truck drivers do not have a lot of opportunities for leisure activities or social interactions on the road. Due to this, many may turn to alcohol or drugs as a means of relaxation or to escape the stressors that come with the job.

Our Truck Accident Attorney in Tampa Can Prove Impaired Driving

 It is an unfortunate fact that too many truck drivers operate their vehicle while impaired. Proving it, though, is not easy. At Moore Law, our Tampa truck accident attorney knows how to prove impaired driving so you obtain the full and fair settlement you deserve. Call us today at 813-510-5400 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help with your case.

Sources:

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6614564/

fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/trends-table-15-drivers-fatal-crashes-vehicle-type-and-blood-alcohol-7