Long Island Injury Lawyer

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Drivers

Posted on 25. Feb, 2010 by Admin in Injury Lawyer

When considering the workplace, in general, research has indicated that truck drivers who travel long distances are more likely to use amphetamines, when compared to the rest of the work population. This usage is directly related to the work conditions of the drivers. Amphetamines allow a truck driver to remain awake and drive for longer hours. This translates into more money and lower rates for freight transportation (which will attract more work). In this manner, the negative impact of drug use on safety and health is ignored, in favor of increased productivity.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has conducted a study that documented the roles played by alcohol and drugs in large truck-related accidents. One aspect of this study involved large truck accidents in which the driver of the truck was fatally injured. Here, it was shown that 1/3 of those truck drivers, who were killed in an accident, tested positive for drugs or alcohol.

The relationship between drug use and fatigues was also cited as a major issue. A common cause of large truck accidents is driver fatigue. As a result, drivers will resort to the use of methamphetamines and other types of stimulants in order to counter the effects of fatigue. Furthermore, the NTSB was able to show a strong relationship between drug use and violations of maximum continuous driving regulations.

Alcohol and drug impairment is an issue for all drivers to be concerned with. However, added to that, the damage that can be caused by an 18-wheeler and you have a recipe for disaster. Beginning in the early 1990’s the NTSB tightened regulations involving on-the-job alcohol and drug use by drivers of large trucks. Besides prohibiting substance use, it also mandated pre-employment drug screenings and random drug testing.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.

DUI accident injuries can require expensive medical treatment and physical rehabilitation that can result in lost earnings. To find out more about compensation for a DWI- related injury, you may wish to consult with Lubbock, TX accident attorneys Todd Elias and Steven J. Gordon at their Houston, Texas office.

Tags: DUI accidents, DWI- related injury compensation, truck accident