Prescription drugs to blame for truck accidents

Truck drivers are some of the most experienced and skilled drivers in the United States. However, unfortunately truck accidents still happen, and they can be some of the most devastating incidents, claiming more lives due to the sheer force of the vehicle.

Truck accidents are caused by many factors, from sudden braking and excessive speeding to slippery roads and adverse weather conditions. In addition, reports show that 18 percent of all truck accidents are caused by drivers that are suffering from fatigue, and 23 percent are caused by speeding drivers. Perhaps the most disturbing of all these statistics is that 44 percent of all truck drivers involved in accidents were taking medication of some sort, whether prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

How have prescription drugs contributed to truck accidents?

There is no clear proof of causation between prescription drug use and truck accidents; however, there are strong statistics that show correlation. Drugs which cause drowsiness are likely to be contributing factors in many truck accidents.

If you have a need to take prescription drugs as a truck driver, it is important that you talk to a medical professional about how the drugs might affect your ability to safely operate a vehicle. You should also avoid taking over-the-counter drugs unless absolutely necessary, since these can cause drowsiness and fatigue. It is important to also avoid uncontrolled drugs as these can have unpredictable effects.

If you have been involved in a truck accident and you believe that medication may have been a contributing factor, you should take action immediately so that damages can be settled.

Source: 10 Exclusive Tips to Prevent Truck Accidents, “Fue Loyal,” accessed Jan. 05, 2018