Truck Driver Substance Abuse and Truck Accidents

Unfortunately, alcohol and drug use are high among commercial truck drivers. There are two main problems 18-wheeler and semi-truck drivers have while on the road: fatigue and loneliness. Many trucking companies encourage their drivers to listen to podcasts or audiobooks and stay in touch with family and friends on the phone to lessen the loneliness.

However, the same trucking companies demand extremely long hours from their drivers and force them to be on the road for days or even weeks at a time.

There are several different types of drugs truck drivers consume to fight loneliness and fatigue. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over 25,000 commercial truck drivers who were tested for drug and alcohol use tested positive. The main types of drugs truck drivers consume while on the road are:

• Marijuana: This drug can impair the user just like alcohol. It slows down reaction times, impairs memory, and creates difficulty in problem-solving and critical thinking. It can also cause delusions and psychosis.
• Cocaine: This drug can increase the driver’s blood pressure, cause tremors, increase the overall body temperature, cause muscle twitches, and lead to erratic behavior and restlessness. Many drivers take cocaine to help them stay awake.
• Methamphetamine: This drug can cause paranoia, insomnia, and mood changes. It can also decrease reaction times and motor speed.
• Amphetamines: These drugs can cause heightened blood pressure, nervousness, and insomnia. They lead to loss of appetite and malnutrition. Amphetamines are usually used to help drivers stay awake.
• Oxymorphone: This drug can cause confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, rapid or slowed heartbeat, fainting, and seizures.

Washington DC has strict laws regarding the behavior of truck drivers, especially when it comes to driving under the influence. In DC, a commercial vehicle is defined as any four-wheeled vehicle that is longer than 22 feet and used for transporting commercial loads or property. The DC trucking regulations for commercial vehicles include:

• Regulations on where truck drivers are allowed to operate vehicles in the District. For example, no truck is allowed on the Roosevelt Bridge entering or exiting Washington DC or Virginia. Truck drivers are also restricted from driving on I-66, east of I-495.
• Oversized and overweight trucks must obtain a special permit to operate in DC. The maximum dimensions of a commercial truck are 8’6 wide, 13’6 high, and 55 long. The maximum weight of a commercial vehicle is 34,000 pounds.
• Commercial parking zones – DC is very strict when it comes to monitoring where semi-trucks and other commercial trucks park.

Washington, DC drug and alcohol regulations

The maximum penalty for driving under the influence is up to 75 days in jail, a $2,500 fine, and getting your license taken away for 1 year. For commercial truck drivers, Washington DC issues a 5-day mandatory minimum sentence. Regular car drivers are considered under the influence at .08%, but in Washington DC, a truck driver is considered under the influence at .04%.

FMCSA regulations

Not only do trucking companies and drivers have to follow local DC laws, but they also must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.

• Hours of service: The FMCSA restricts the hours truck drivers are allowed to operate the vehicle. They are only allowed to drive for 14 consecutive hours per day (with at least a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving). After 14 hours, the truck driver must stop driving for the day.
• Electronic Logging Devices: These are known as ELDs and must be in every commercial truck. ELDs track the driver to make sure he is following the Hours of Service regulations
• Drug and alcohol regulations: All truck driver supervisors must take a 60-minute course on the symptoms of alcohol abuse, as well as a 60-minute course on the symptoms of drug abuse. All truck drivers with a commercial license are subject to pre-employment drug testing, random testing during employment, and testing after an accident.
  Medical exams: Truck drivers must submit to a Department of Transportation physical examination to make sure he or she is physically qualified to drive the semi-truck or tractor-trailer.
• Background checks: The trucking company must do a background check to make sure the new employee does not have traffic, driving, or criminal records.
• Cargo securement rules: These regulations are meant to prevent cargo from shifting in the trailer, which can cause catastrophic accidents. Cargo must be properly secured before each trip.
• Entry-level driver training: Each new truck driver must be properly trained before making solo trips. They must know how to handle the weight and size of the truck, and how to brake (especially when carrying cargo).
  Vehicle maintenance: All commercial semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles must be routinely inspected, repaired, and maintained. The parts and accessories of the truck must be in excellent condition at all times to avoid truck accidents.