Drug and Alcohol Use Among Truck Drivers
A study by American Addiction Centers found that U.S. truckers had the highest frequency of positive alcohol tests in the world. In fact, since January 2020, more than 72,000 truck drivers have been taken off the road because they failed the drug tests required by the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. These figures often prompt people to ask how many truckers use drugs, especially given the critical safety role commercial drivers play on American roads.
Additionally, an alarming 91% of truckers interviewed reported drinking alcohol, and 82.5% admitted using amphetamines on the job. These statistics raise serious concerns about impaired driving and naturally lead to broader questions about substance use among drivers nationwide.
Alcohol Use Stats
Through the first three months of 2021, there were 367 alcohol violations reported to the Clearinghouse, compared to 1,185 alcohol violations throughout all of 2020. These numbers highlight why many ask:
what percentage of all truck drivers in the U.S. will test positive for drugs or alcohol at any given time?
While exact percentages vary year to year, federal data confirms that substance-related violations among commercial drivers remain a persistent issue.
The legal alcohol limit for CDL drivers is 0.04%, significantly lower than for non-commercial drivers. Even minimal alcohol consumption can impair reaction time and judgment, making large commercial vehicles especially dangerous when operated under the influence.
Drug Use Stats and Trends Among Truck Drivers
The August 2021 Clearinghouse Monthly Report showed increases across all major drug categories. This raises another common question: what is the most common drug found in drivers?According to federal testing data, marijuana is consistently the most frequently detected drug in both commercial and non-commercial driver testing.
Positive Drug Tests (First 8 Months of 2021)
- Marijuana: 21,438, up from 18,252
- Cocaine: 5,913, up from 5,233
- Methamphetamines: 3,526, up from 3,379
- All 14 drug panels: 39,785, up from 35,252
These numbers also explain why many ask how many Americans have used an illicit drug in the past 30 days?
National surveys consistently show that tens of millions of Americans report recent illicit drug use, which becomes especially concerning when substance use overlaps with commercial driving responsibilities.
Stimulants, Fatigue, and Collision Risk
Long-haul trucking often involves extended hours and tight delivery deadlines. As a result, people frequently wonder what do truck drivers use to stay awake. While caffeine is common, some drivers turn to illegal stimulants.
Experts warn that the danger of a driver using amphetamines on a long trip is severe. While stimulants may temporarily delay fatigue, they can cause impaired judgment, overconfidence, hallucinations, and sudden crashes once the effects wear off.
This leads to another critical safety question: what is the most common drug to cause vehicle collisions?
Alcohol remains the leading substance associated with vehicle collisions, followed by marijuana and stimulants, particularly when combined with fatigue or long driving hours.
Drug Testing and Enforcement
Given these risks, many ask how often do truck drivers get drug tested. Federal regulations require testing before employment, randomly throughout the year, after certain accidents, when there is reasonable suspicion, and before returning to duty after a violation.
Questions also arise about marijuana legalization, such as will truck drivers ever be able to smoke weed?
Under current federal law, marijuana use remains prohibited for CDL holders, regardless of state legalization.
Reporting Unsafe Truck Driving
Motorists sometimes ask how to report a truck driver on drugs. Suspected impaired driving should be reported immediately to law enforcement or highway patrol. Reports can also be directed to the trucking company or appropriate transportation authorities, potentially preventing serious or fatal accidents.
New York Truck Accident Lawyers
Substance-impaired truck driving often leads to catastrophic crashes. At Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore (KDLM), we represent victims of truck accidents involving DUI, drug use, and regulatory violations. Our experience handling these complex cases is why Expertise.com named KDLM one of the 2022 Best Truck Accident Lawyers in New York City.
Let’s Talk
All accidents are tragic, but holding negligent parties accountable can help victims and families move forward. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident involving drugs or alcohol, contact us at (212) 618-6800 or fill out our online form for a free, confidential consultation.