Did you know that taking over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions drugs can affect the way one drives? It can. Especially if multiple prescription medications are taken, then drugs can interact with each other and cause a driver to drive like he or she is impaired—which can lead to a crash. What’s frightening is that drivers of large commercial vehicles have been known to take drugs to help them stay awake, fight off a cold, deal with their ailments, or because they suffer from a drug dependence addiction.

Some truck drivers turn to illegal “uppers,” over-the-counter-drugs, and prescription medications; however, even their legal drug use can actually cause them to drive impaired. This is because truckers may take too many medications, mix drugs, or fail to take them as directed. When this happens, a truck driver can suffer from dangerous side effects, including:

  • Confusion
  • Slower reflexes
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Sleepiness

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs taken in combination can be extremely dangerous, especially when the driver is behind the wheel of an 80,000 pound vehicle. A driver can black out, have a medical emergency while driving, or suffer from one of the side effects listed above, causing a Sarasota trucking accident. For this reason there are federal rules in place that even require trucking companies to test their truckers at random times for drug and alcohol use. However, many trucking companies fail to test their truck drivers, and many truckers know how to pass drug tests or find a way to get out of taking them. At any given time, there is a truck driver on the road affected by drugs.

If you have been injured in a Florida trucking accident, it is critical to seek medical attention and to call a skilled Sarasota accident attorney today for legal help. You can reach a qualified injury lawyer at Mallard Perez today at 888-409-3805 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Damian Mallard, Esq.
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Board Certified Sarasota Personal Injury Attorney
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