Commercial truck drivers across New Jersey and the rest of the nation play an important role in the U.S. economy. However, the responsibility they bear comes with a significant burden: the need to stay alert on the road at all times. Research shows that some truck drivers turn to drugs, legal or otherwise, to cope with the demands of their jobs, and this makes them a grave danger to themselves and others on the road.
The pressures of long hours on the road, the monotony of the job and the desire to meet tight deadlines lead some drivers to seek solace in substances. These substances range from legal drugs like caffeine to illicit drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.
Drug use risks
Drugs impair a truck driver’s ability to make sound judgments and react quickly to changing road conditions, increasing the risk of an accident. These risks compound as substance abuse among truckers increases, with positive drug and alcohol cases involving truck drivers rising by 18% between 2021 and 2022.
Different drugs create different risks for drivers. For example, marijuana use may distort perception or impair coordination, while stimulants may cause extreme fatigue once the initial effects wear off. Drug use also takes a toll on a driver’s physical and mental health, which can raise the risk of chronic illnesses.
Drug use prevention
Trucking companies need to provide comprehensive education about the dangers of drug use and the potential consequences for their employees. Employers may want to consider implementing support systems, such as counseling or employee assistance programs, to help drivers cope with stress and mental health issues without having to resort to drugs. Enforcing a zero-tolerance drug policy may also help.
Recognizing the prevalence of this problem and taking steps to prevent it improves the safety of our highways and the well-being of the individuals who keep the economy moving.
