The Dangers of Truck Driver Drug Abuse and 18-Wheeler Accidents

Drug Use While Operating a Big Truck is Unacceptable

Many truck drivers are required to pass an initial Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test to gain employment in the trucking industry. However, up to 30% of active truck drivers have used drugs or alcohol on the job at least once.

While, annually, less than 2% of tested truck drivers fail a drug test, it is true that drug abusers fall through the cracks. There are over 3.5 million active truck drivers in the United States right now. If 2% of these drivers are actively abusing drugs, that means 700,000 drivers are at risk for causing a deadly semi-truck accident. These tests also don’t factor in alcohol use. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s latest report, around 1.7% of truck accident fatalities involve alcohol use.

Because truck drivers are considered high risk for drug addiction and driving under the influence, accidents, wrecks, and fatalities are major considerations for other drivers and trucking companies. At the Stephens Law Firm, Joe Stephens is proud to be one of the best car injury lawyers in West Houston representing victims and their loved ones, helping them get the justice they deserve.

While there are many perks to driving an 18-wheeler all over the country, truck driving can be a dull and isolating lifestyle. Many truck drivers struggle with loneliness and employ vices to cope with the difficulties of their job. Truck drivers may drive for up to 11 hours a day, but they are paid by the mile-not the hour-so there is an increased incentive to travel far distances quickly. To complete these often boring and daunting journeys alone, truck drivers often turn to drugs, such as amphetamines, cocaine, and cannabis, to increase focus and stay awake.

Despite the limits put in place by the truck industry and Federal Safety regulations, truck drivers are often under stringent pressure to make deliveries quickly to meet tight deadlines. Driving under the influence or failure to get sufficient rest can create unsafe conditions for the truck driver and other drivers on the road.

Loss of sleep, fatigue, and drug abuse can negatively impact reaction times and reflexes, or even cause hallucinations. It may also cause a truck driver to pass out while operating their tractor-trailer. All these adverse effects can increase the likelihood of a severe accident dramatically.

Call a Qualified Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Unfortunately, 18-wheeler accidents involving truck drivers under the influence are far too common in West Houston. If you or your loved one has been injured in a semi-truck wreck and you believe that the truck driver may have been abusing drugs or alcohol, call us at Stephens Law Firm today.

For over 30 years, experienced semi truck injury lawyer Joe Stephens has tirelessly fought hundreds of personal injury cases in big truck accidents and gotten desirable results for his clients. Winning massive settlements in amounts up to $10 million, Joe Stephens will provide superior legal services for you and your family throughout this difficult time.

Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in West Houston and Across Texas:

• Jackknife Accidents
• Truck Rollovers
• Tire Blowouts
• Truck Driver DWI
• Wide Turn Accidents
• Blind Spot Accidents
• Read End Accidents
• Brake Failure
• Underride Accidents
• Lost Load Accidents
• Head-on Collisions
• T-Bone Collisions

West Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

Hire an Attorney With Experience Winning Big Rig Accidents

Cases involving big truck collisions can be very complex and present difficulty proving negligence of the truck driver, the trucking company, or both. Also, many truck collisions end up with someone getting seriously injured or even killed, often because of a truck driver’s negligence, contact our top-rated negligent death lawyers in West Houston, Joe’s experience with these cases allows him to get right to the heart of the matter, his clients rights and owed compensation. Call us at 281-623-1701 or request a free consultation. We will comb over all the details of your case and use our resources to advocate fiercely on your behalf.