Commercial truck drivers are bound by strict laws limiting alcohol and drug use behind the wheel — and with good reason. The massive size of tractor-trailers makes collisions with other vehicles especially deadly.
Recognizing the danger, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the legal alcohol limit for truck drivers at 0.04, half the allowable limit for non-commercial drivers.
FMCSA also monitors their drivers carefully by conducting random and non-random drug and alcohol tests. Recent results of random testing found that 1.2 percent of truck drivers tested positive for drugs, while an estimated 0.12 percent had measurable levels of alcohol in their systems.
While these percentages may seem low, there are nearly 2.1 million commercial truck drivers in the United States — and Texas leads the nation for employing the most heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers.
Substance abuse among truck drivers increases the risk of preventable collisions. Burch Law Firm represents Central Texas victims of truck-vehicle collisions involving alcohol and drugs. If you suffered injuries caused by a drunk truck driver, contact us today for a free consultation with a New Braunfels truck accident lawyer.
What Are the Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on a Truck Driver’s Ability?
Alcohol and drugs have various physical and cognitive effects on truck drivers, but none are good. This applies to over-the-counter and prescription medications along with illegal drugs.
Drunk truck driver accidents occur because alcohol impairs coordination, judgment, awareness, and reaction time. Drivers may weave in and out of lanes or overcorrect and lose control of their trucks. Alcohol can also cause impaired vision.
Drugs have varying impacts on the body. For example, cocaine and methamphetamine may make drivers reckless and aggressive, leading to speeding, abrupt lane changes, and road rage. Marijuana and opiates, meanwhile, have a slowing effect. They delay reaction time and impair decision-making, making it harder to gauge time and stopping distance and reducing coordination. Truck drivers may be less able to perceive and react to obstructions on the road quickly, such as changes in road conditions and the presence of other vehicles.
Among their other adverse effects, amphetamines can cause hallucinations. This may lead to reactions to perceived but nonexistent threats, making an already dangerous traffic situation worse.
Truckers who use stimulants may be more likely to need help getting to sleep, so they turn to prescription drugs that cause drowsiness, dizziness, and reduced cognitive function. This choice can lead to a cycle of use and dependency that can be dangerous and hard to break.
How Frequent Are Alcohol and Drug-Related Truck Accidents in New Braunfels?
Texas led the nation with 832 truck-involved fatal accidents in a recent year. Comal County had 243 crashes involving commercial vehicles, and more than a dozen were serious and three fatal.
Nationwide, six percent of truck drivers in fatal accidents tested positive for at least one drug. Notably, 57 percent of drivers weren’t tested, so this estimate may be low.
Most Commonly Used Drugs Among Truck Drivers
Driving a truck involves working long hours, often at night and on stretches of highway with little variety. This combination can induce sleepiness, boredom, and a lack of focus.
To counteract these effects, some truck drivers turn to substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamines, and ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall to stay awake and alert.
Additionally, as marijuana laws have changed on the state level in many parts of the country, marijuana use among truck drivers is a rising concern. While U.S. Department of Transportation policy still forbids marijuana use for anyone with a commercial driver’s license, the loosening atmosphere around marijuana in the larger culture may encourage more truckers to use marijuana when driving or before a shift.
What Legal Rights Do Victims of Impaired Trucking Accidents Have?
You have legal options if you sustained injuries in a truck accident caused by a trucker’s drug or alcohol use. Under Texas personal injury law, you could seek compensation for any accident-related injuries and losses. Compensation in a successful truck accident claim could include money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income, including loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
In Texas, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. You should initiate this process as soon as possible. Truck accident claims involve a complex mix of state and federal laws. It’s wise to consult an experienced truck accident lawyer who can place a fair value on your case and fight for maximum compensation for you.
The compensation your attorney seeks will be based on the current and projected long-term effects of your injuries, which they can assess from your medical records, doctors’ statements, and wage-loss information.
At Burch Law Firm, we take a comprehensive approach to demanding justice for accident victims. We’ll thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident and identify the responsible parties. Our process includes gathering compelling evidence, including drug test results, toxicology reports, previous DUI citations, police accident reports, eyewitness testimony, medical records, and other materials.
Our firm will handle all the necessary communication and negotiation with other parties. We regularly update clients on the progress of their cases and provide solid advice to guide their decisions. Ultimately, this is your case. We work collaboratively to pursue compensation that will meet your needs and goals while giving you the time and space to focus on healing.
How Can Burch Law Firm Assist Victims of Truck Accidents?
Troy Burch has worked as a truck accident lawyer in New Braunfels since 1990, providing knowledgeable and personalized counsel to clients injured in accidents involving impaired commercial truck drivers. Our legal team has extensive resources to use to advocate strategically and effectively for you. Contact us today to get an experienced truck accident attorney on your side. The first consultation is free.
