It may not seem like it to some Texas residents, but driving a big rig takes a toll on the human body. Long-haul truck drivers suffer from the same ailments as anyone else despite, or perhaps because, of the fact that they spend the majority of their days behind the wheel of a long and heavy vehicle.
Injuries and illnesses often mean medications. Designed to help relieve symptoms or pain, they are a necessary part of many treatment programs. The problem arises when that long-haul trucker driving that mammoth vehicle next to yours takes certain prescription medications while driving.
The problem with truckers taking medications while driving
You may know from personal experience that many prescription medications come with side effects such as the following:
- Lethargy
- Drowsiness
- Slowed response time
- Confusion
- Lack of focus
- Dizziness
- Lack of stamina
- Lack of concentration
If you think these side effects would make driving dangerous, you are right. The last thing anyone on the road needs is a long-haul truck driver behind the wheel in this condition. Another problem is taking someone else’s medication. This could cause unintended consequences such as those above, among others.
The problem with truckers not effectively communicating
Truck drivers need to tell their doctors right away that they drive for a living. This will greatly affect the type of prescription he or she receives. Truck drivers only make money when they are on the road, so they may not be as forthcoming with doctors as they should. Some go to the doctor for medications so they can stay on the road when they shouldn’t, which only increases the danger.
Many truckers diligently guard their safety, but it only takes a few who don’t to put your life and the lives of everyone else at risk. Simply “slapping a pill” on the issue and getting back on the road could represent a double whammy. First, the underlying condition for which the doctor prescribes the medication could cause driver distraction. Then, the effects of the medication compound that situation.
The accident caused you serious injuries
The truck driver in the big rig next to your vehicle failed to remain a safe driver by taking certain medications while driving, and you now pay the price. The accident caused you serious injuries and substantial financial losses. Proving to the court that the driver’s negligent use of a prescription medication led to your injuries could result in an award of damages to help offset those losses.