Drug Abuse among Truck Drivers a Serious Issue

A recent investigative news report states that more and more truck drivers may be using drugs to stay alert and to relieve stress during long and lonely trips. According to a Fox news report, drug testing programs are attempting to catch truckers who abuse drugs, but many trucking companies and drivers are yet to get the message. Apparently, many serious injury and fatal truck collisions have been caused because truck drivers were operating under the influence of drugs.

One such accident occurred on the Chicago Skyway Toll Plaza where an 80,000-pound truck veered right, jackknifed and crashed into 22 cars causing numerous injuries. The trucker in that case had fallen asleep and later tested positive for cocaine and the trucking company – his employer – apparently had a history of failing to conduct mandated drug testing. The Fox investigation found that many companies were failing to test newly-hired drivers. Some did not even test their drivers after serious accidents and some others actually put drivers back to work on the road even after they had failed drug tests.

To imagine an out-of-control big rig on the roadway whose driver is operating this large vehicle under the influence of drugs is frightening. But even more frightening to me, is the fact that this has become a very real and prevalent problem on our highways. As we can clearly see from this report, the negligent actions on the part of such truck drivers threaten our safety as motorists on Washington State roads.

Please remember that if you have been injured by an impaired driver, you have legal rights. If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident as a result of a driver who was operating under the influence of drugs, you can file a wrongful death claim against the trucking firm, seeking compensation for medical/funeral expenses, loss of earnings and other related damages. If you have been injured in a Washington truck accident as a result of a negligent truck driver, please consult the experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys with The Bernard Law Group who will fight for your rights, represent your best interests and make sure that the negligent parties are held accountable. Contact Kirk Bernard and his experienced legal team today for a free consultation.

Source:http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/investigative/drug-abuse-among-truck-drivers