On behalf of Law Offices of Mauro Fiore, Jr. posted in Truck Accidents on Wednesday, October 18, 2017.
You may not think that professional drivers would use illegal substances behind the wheel in California. However, some truck drivers use drugs on the road, and this has the ability to affect their driving. Truck drivers may use drugs behind the wheel for a variety of reasons. Reuters says that young drivers without much experience make up many of these drug users, and they may rely on these substances so they can drive overnight or long routes. Earning more money may also be one of the factors which motivate drivers to take drugs. Using drugs while driving can be dangerous for a number of reasons. Drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines may make drivers experience hallucinations and vertigo. Marijuana can affect truckers' ability to concentrate, as well as make them more tired. Additionally, if drivers rely on these substances to stay on the road for long periods of time, they may be expected to drive these long shifts regularly. The combination of drug use and long shifts may cause truckers to be involved in more collisions. One researcher of truck driver drug use has said that the size of a company may play a role in whether truckers take drugs. Some people who use these substances are drivers for medium-sized and small companies. Drivers for larger companies may receive benefits and good working conditions, reducing the likelihood that a trucker will use drugs. There may be ways companies can decrease the chance that their drivers will take drugs. A salary which is not connected to the number of hours driven could keep truckers from using these substances. Additionally, shorter travel hours may help prevent drug use.