Drugged Drivers and Houston Truck Accidents: More Dangerous than Alcohol?

When people hear the phrase “driving under the influence,” they usually picture a drunk driver. What if, instead of alcohol, the driver was under the influence of drugs while hauling a two-ton semi?

Driver alcohol intoxication causes a large portion of all large truck accidents every year. However, a study performed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that illegal drug use caused about 3,000 accidents every year.

Some more shocking facts about Houston trucker drug abuse:

• When combined with the number of over-the-counter medication crashes, a staggering 19% of all Texas truck accidents are caused by some form of drug abuse.
• Over-the-counter drug abuse is the third-highest driver-related truck accident cause.
• Illegal drug abuse caused more accidents than trucker fatigue in the past year.

While a trucker may think he is taking a perfectly acceptable medication before driving, such as an antihistamine, he may be unaware of the effect the drug has on his system. Certain types of drugs used by a Texas truck driver are liable to cause:

• Dulled senses. Texas truckers under the influence are less likely to shift quickly and will often travel at higher speeds due to less situational awareness. The increased speed is not only more likely to cause an accident, it's also likely to cause more damage in the event of a collision.
• Lack of braking. A drugged driver has dulled senses and lowered response times. Reactions to hazards may be delayed.
• Less awareness. Drugs will cause a driver to pay little attention to what’s happening around him. While under the influence of medication, a trucker may fail to notice smaller vehicles, pedestrians in crosswalks, flashing lights, or traffic signals.

Perhaps the most staggering statistic is that, although they will likely cause the accident, truckers account for only two percent of fatalities in all tractor-trailer accidents nationwide. Our Houston semi accident attorneys also know that the only way to combat the danger is to hold these truckers accountable for putting your life at risk by seeking compensation for your injuries.

For more FREE information on your accident, order a complimentary copy of our book, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Texas Truck Accident Case, by filling out our quick online form. You can also call Vujasinovic & Beckcom toll-free at (877) 724-7800 for a free consultation on your case.