Drug Use Amongst Truck Drivers
There are approximately 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the United States, according to the American Trucking Association, and they handle 71% of the nation’s freight. A trucking company employs about one out of every 15 professional truck drivers. While the trucking business is stable and profitable, being a truck driver can take a toll on a driver’s health and well-being.
Life on the Road
Being a truck driver is much more than just transporting goods from one place to another. A truck driver’s day starts well before the sun comes up and doesn’t end until well into the night. At times it could even involve driving all night. While there are no set working hours, truck drivers are still expected to work approximately 70 hours over an eight-day workweek. Also, take into account sitting in a confined space, dealing with heavy traffic, and managing unexpected weather conditions. A truck driver’s job is hard work!
A lot of people don’t realize this, but truck drivers are paid by the mile and based on accomplishing the requested delivery time. If a delivery is delayed, then truck drivers can lose out on a big chunk of what they get paid. Most truck drivers spend about 300 days on the road, which means a lot of time away from home and their families. Many truck drivers find that even though they love what they do, it can be very lonely. Even if the truck driver’s company encourages some form of human contact during trips, many resort to using other methods for comfort, such as drugs.
Why Truck Drivers Turn to Drugs
The demanding and often unpredictable conditions of professional truck driving can lead to the use of amphetamines, cocaine, and methamphetamines to help get through grueling shifts on the road. Drugs change the way you see things around you, and this can be very dangerous for someone behind the wheel. Drug use can cause drivers to drive faster than they would typically, merge or change lanes too quickly, and feel more powerful when faced with unpredictable traffic or weather. Picking up a second or third cup of coffee may seem like a better option, but truck drivers sometimes turn to illegal drugs instead. Drugs offer mental stimulation that helps people stay awake longer and become more alert, despite the dangers of taking them for both the individual using drugs and other people on the road.
How Can We Help Truck Drivers Using Drugs
In order to help truck drivers who are using drugs, trucking companies and the transportation industry must keep a close eye on their employees for changes in behavior to ensure that there is no illegal activity. If possible, try to improve driving conditions by capping work hours and improving compensation benefits, which can help minimize drug consumption. Trucking companies should also have a strict drug-free program, pre-employment screening, and perform random drug testing.
How Can DATCO Services Help You?
DATCO provides DOT compliance, as well as employee drug and alcohol testing throughout the country. Contact DATCO at 800-95-DATCO (32826) to let us know how we can help your company.
