Drug use is up among commercial truck drivers

Truckers play a critical role in the American economy as they are responsible for the transportation of vital goods and products in Texas and beyond. Because they are behind the wheel of such large and heavy vehicles, they are under the obligation to drive as safely and cautiously as they can. This means avoiding drugs, alcohol and distractions while driving. Unfortunately, statistics indicate that instances of drugged driving are up in the trucking industry and among commercial drivers.

A growing area of concern

According to new information released from the federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, drugged driving among truckers was up by 10% in 2021 when compared to numbers from the previous year. The total number of driver drug violations in 2021 was 58,215. These numbers include violations from incidents that involved failed drug tests, disqualifications by the employer after learning of drug use and refusals to take drug tests.

Of all the drug violations in the trucking industry that took place in 2021, the majority involved failed drug tests. There were a wide range of drugs for which drivers tested positive, including marijuana and cocaine. Approximately 55% of the violations involved marijuana use, which was up from the numbers listed for 2020.

Drugged trucks are dangerous truckers

Drugged truckers are more likely to be involved in accidents and cause other people harm. Texas victims of accidents caused by truckers or commercial drivers who were intoxicated at the time of the crash would be wise to learn about the legal options available to them. It is possible a victim has grounds to pursue recompense through a civil claim against the party deemed responsible.