Despite the pressure to most truck drivers to deliver in a timely manner over very long distances, the solution to staying awake and free from fatigue may be as simple as a cup of coffee, as reflected in the results from a recent Australian research. Instead of taking harmful prescription drugs that may lead to side effects and even road accidents, it may be better for truck drivers to limit their solutions to regular intake of caffeine.
Recent findings in a research conducted in Australia confirm that “consumption of caffeine and energy drinks was shown to help in the maintenance of alertness for driving”. This research conducted a controlled survey comprising of 1000 drivers who were observed within a period of 12 months. According to the study which was published by the British Medical Journal, the possibility of having a road accident is 63% lower for drivers who drink coffee compared to drivers who do not.
This may be relevant in the United States as well, given the similarities in terms of distances and conditions. The study though did not provide a firm conclusion that drinking coffee is safe for long distance truck drivers, as this was merely part of the bigger aspect of fatigue combined with drug taking which is also a concern in the U.S.
Based on a report by the U.S. National Highway Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA), out of 10 truck accidents in our country, 9 are caused by driver error and one of the most common reasons for this is fatigue. It is a known practice for drivers to take drugs such as amphetamines and other types of stimulants to keep them from dozing off during long hauls. And although it is illegal to buy prescription drugs and other controlled drugs without a prescription, as set by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), drivers would intentionally ignore this rule and take these drugs in addition to coffee.
The National Transport Safety Board states that more than 50% of prescription drugs may cause some side effects and affect the concentration and even the safety of drivers. Prescription drugs for controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol levels are some of the drugs with the worst side effects, such as drowsiness, blurred vision, and even amnesia.
There is tremendous pressure for most truck drivers to deliver on time, which pushes a lot of them to disregard the consequences of taking prescription drugs, greatly exposing them as well as their vehicle companions to risks and road accidents. Particularly in New York, truck accidents lead to the most fatalities. Drug use coupled with fatigue is the most common identified cause.
If you or anyone in your family has been hit by a truck in New York and was consequently injured, it is best for you to contact a skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer to provide you with legal representation. An individual who has been injured by a negligent driver is entitled to seek legal compensation for damages from either the negligent driver or their truck company.
