As a truck driver, you have to spend a lot of time on the road, meet tight delivery times, and spend a lot of time away from your family. These challenges make some truck drivers turn to drugs as a way to deal with being tired, stressed, and alone.
People often use alcohol and drugs like amphetamines and cocaine to stay awake or pass the time. But drivers who abuse drugs put everyone else on the road in danger.
It is easy to get to major towns and distribution centers from Henderson, Nevada, thanks to its highway connections.
This makes the problem of truck drivers abusing drugs even more of a worry for people who live and work in the area. When drunk truck drivers go through Henderson, there is a higher chance of major accidents.
If a truck driver’s drug use caused an accident that hurt someone, a Henderson truck accident attorney can help the victims understand their rights and get compensation.
Causes of Substance Abuse Among Truck Drivers
There are a number of reasons why truckers abuse drugs.
- Long hours and tiredness: Truck drivers often go for long stretches without stopping to rest. A lot of people use stimulants to stay awake, but when they wear off, they can cause dangerous accidents.
- Job pressure and deadlines: Strict delivery plans cause some truckers to use drugs that help them stay awake and drive longer. Often, the need to meet deadlines takes precedence over safety issues.
- Loneliness and boredom: Too much time away from home can make drivers feel lonely and bored. So, some of them drink or use drugs to deal with their feelings. Substance abuse can become a habit if you don’t have anyone to talk to about it.
- Easy access to drugs and substances: Rest areas and truck stops are places where you can buy drugs and alcohol. Some drivers need these drugs to get through the tough aspects of their job.
Consequences of Substance Abuse Among Truck Drivers
Truck drivers who abuse drugs are more likely to get into accidents, get in trouble with the law, and lose their jobs. Not just the truck drivers are at risk; everyone on the road is.
- More likely to get into an accident: Drunk drivers react more slowly, make bad decisions, and have trouble coordinating their movements. This makes it more likely and riskier for big trucks to crash.
- Legal consequences: Truck drivers who are found using drugs or alcohol while they are working will face serious legal consequences. Their commercial driver’s license could be taken away, and they could also get fined or go to jail.
- Loss of employment: Trucking companies have strict rules against drug use. A driver who fails a drug or alcohol test could lose their job and have a hard time getting another one in the same line of work.
- Threat to public safety: One drunk truck driver can cause a terrible accident. Often, these accidents cause serious injuries, deaths, and expensive damage to property.
Truck drivers abusing substances is a major problem that can endanger their lives. Even though the trucking business is very important to the economy, it is very important to make sure that drivers are sober and alert at all times.
