There may simply not be time to take required rest breaks, but taking stimulants allows him to stay on the road and bring the delivery in on time. As a result, some companies create unrealistic shifts for drivers, requiring them to drive constantly in order to make the deadline. If the carrier falls short-or if another company can do it faster-the carrier loses the contract and potentially millions of dollars. Trucking companies sign contracts with manufacturers and retailers to get their goods delivered within a certain timeframe. Trucking company representatives might not state outright that drivers should use stimulants or skip their rest breaks, but their actions make it all but impossible for drivers to do otherwise.Ī company may actually encourage a driver’s amphetamine use by: In many cases, trucking companies encourage illegal behavior on the part of their drivers if it helps the bottom line. While it's the trucker’s choice to use legal and illegal drugs during driving hours, employers may be held liable after a wreck caused by a trucker’s drug use. Truckers and Employers to Blame for Amphetamine Use in the Trucking Industry If these are combined with prescription medications, they can affect every aspect of driving-and may cause the operator to have a heart attack or stroke behind the wheel. Illegal uppers such as amphetamines and cocaine cause erratic driving and paranoia. They also reported they were much more likely to use amphetamines during nighttime driving. Unfortunately, many truckers are encouraged to subvert these laws by using stimulants to stay awake, a workaround that increases injury risks for everyone on the road.Īccording to a recent study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, truck drivers said they could easily obtain illegal stimulant drugs from gas stations and truck stops. In an effort to prevent mistakes caused by long hours behind the wheel, the federal government created "hours of service" regulations that include mandatory rest breaks during and between driving shifts. Drowsy driving is one of the most common causes of truck accidents nationwide.
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