Many trucking companies across Ohio and the rest of the nation are struggling to hire and retain truck drivers. However, studies show that many of the truck drivers who are traveling the nation’s roadways are also abusing drugs. Because the use of any drug has the capacity to impact a trucker’s driving ability, any use of drugs by this demographic means enhanced dangers for everyone else on the road.
According to Transport Topics, the number of truck drivers testing positive for drugs is increasing. Data compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse offers evidence of just how much of an uptick there has been.
How often truck drivers use marijuana
Data shows that the most common drug abused by today’s commercial truck drivers is marijuana and that the number of truckers using marijuana is rising rapidly. Between 2021 and 2022, the number of truck drivers testing positive for marijuana increased by an alarming 32%. That year, about 41,000 truck drivers received marijuana-related infractions in the clearinghouse.
How often truck drivers use other drugs
The use of other drugs is also increasing among commercial truck drivers. After marijuana, cocaine is now the second-most-common drug to appear on truck driver drug tests, with methamphetamines and amphetamines claiming the third and fourth spots, respectively. Altogether, more than 90% of truck drivers who had positive drug tests since the clearinghouse first took effect tested positive for marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine or amphetamine.
When a truck driver uses drugs on the job, it endangers everyone they encounter. Drug use often affects many aspects of driving ability, including reaction time, alertness and overall judgment.
