Non-Prescription Drugs and Trucker Impairment
Driving a commercial truck is a hard job, with long hours and tough physical and mental demands. Job stress has caused many hardworking Americans to abuse illicit or prescription drugs to cope, regardless of occupation. However, many people may not realize that non-prescription medications, also called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, can be just as dangerous as alcohol when it comes to driving. And when the vehicle being driven is an 80,000-pound truck, the risk of a catastrophic accident is high.
Did you suffer injuries in a wreck due to truck driver impairment? If so, you deserve compensation for your losses. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we can identify everyone who should be held liable for the accident and build a solid claim demanding the money and justice you deserve.
Our Las Vegas truck accident lawyers understand that taking legal action can feel overwhelming when you’re recovering from serious injuries. That’s why our team makes every effort to take the burden of the legal process off your shoulders. You can rely on us to craft a persuasive case for maximum compensation for you. With decades of experience handling truck accident claims and a history of top-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured Nevadans, our law firm is equipped to handle the most challenging cases.
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Why Do Truck Drivers Do Drugs?
Many truck drivers spend as many as 14 hours a day on duty, often for a week or more at a time. These intense shifts typically extend beyond traditional working hours, disrupting a driver’s natural sleep-and-wake cycles. Truckers may turn to non-prescription sleep aids for help maintaining such demanding schedules.
Truckers also experience significant job and emotional stress. Employers impose tight delivery schedules on drivers and sometimes offer incentives for them to make early deliveries ― sometimes at the expense of their own employees’ health. Their jobs take them hundreds of miles away from their families and loved ones, force them to live out of their cabs, and cause them to go long stretches with only a radio to keep them company. Some of these difficulties are part of the job but cause emotional strain, leading to OTC drug overuse.
It’s important to remember that OTC drug use is not prohibited for truckers. Non-prescription medications for colds, fever, migraines, body pain, and other ailments are allowed. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) emphasizes that no trucker should drive until they know whether they will experience side effects from an OTC medication.
How Do Medications Affect a Trucker’s Driving Ability?
While some truck drivers use illicit drugs on the job, other drivers lawfully use prescription or over-the-counter medications for various reasons. They may do so to treat diagnosed medical conditions or diseases or to relieve allergies, cold, and flu symptoms. But these medications, as well as stimulants to stay awake or drugs to counter motion sickness, can all impair driving ability.
However, both OTC and prescription drugs affect truck drivers in different ways. In the worst cases, these drugs impair a driver’s ability to operate their vehicles safely. Potential side effects include:
- Impaired judgment, poor decision-making skills, and lowered inhibitions
- Motor coordination problems
- Blurred vision
- Delayed reaction times
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Altered perception of the road
- Increased anxiety
- Drowsiness
- Agitation
- Anger
When Do Medications Disqualify a Trucker from Driving?
Medications can disqualify truck drivers from driving if they impair the driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict guidelines to ensure that truck drivers remain alert and in control behind the wheel.
Whether it’s prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, or illegal substances, certain drugs can negatively impact driving ability, increasing the risk of truck crashes and serious injuries.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications can pose a risk to truck drivers if they cause drowsiness, blurred vision, or impaired judgment. Even drugs taken for legitimate medical conditions, like pain management or anxiety, can affect a driver’s reaction time. Truck drivers using prescription medication must have a valid prescription and approval from a licensed medical practitioner. If a prescription drug has a warning about operating heavy machinery, the driver may be disqualified unless cleared by a medical examiner.
Over-the-counter Drugs
Over-the-counter medications can also impair a trucker’s driving ability. Allergy medications, sleep aids, diet pills, and other OTC drugs may cause drowsiness, slow reaction times, or other side effects that make safe driving difficult. Truck drivers should read labels carefully and avoid any OTC drugs that list drowsiness as a side effect.
Illicit Drugs and Disqualification
Illegal drugs are a clear disqualifier for any truck driver. Controlled substances impair judgment but are also against federal regulations like:
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
Trucking companies conduct regular drug testing programs to detect illicit drug use and ensure driver safety. If any trace of an illegal substance is found in a driver’s system, the driver is immediately disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle.
Habit-Forming Medications and Driving Safety
Habit-forming drugs, even if prescribed, can be disqualifying for truckers. These include strong painkillers and certain sleep medications. Such substances may impact a driver’s ability to operate large trucks safely. If a trucker is on a medication known to be habit-forming, a medical examiner may need to review the situation before the driver is cleared to return to work.
Non-Prescription Drugs and Trucker Impairment
Non-prescription drugs can also be a problem. Diet pills, stay-awake aids, and some herbal supplements can overstimulate the driver, leading to erratic driving behavior. Even if these substances are legal, their use could result in disqualification if they are found to impair the driver’s ability.
Medical Conditions and Truck Drivers
Some truck drivers may have medical conditions requiring medication, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. These conditions can impact a driver’s ability to drive safely if not properly managed. The key is to have a prescribing physician who understands the demands of truck driving and can recommend medications that do not interfere with safe driving.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Las Vegas Today
Did you suffer injuries in a truck accident caused by over-the-counter drug use in Nevada? You need help from an experienced Las Vegas truck accident lawyer right away. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we know what it takes to hold the at-fault party(s) accountable for their recklessness. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.