Are Truck Drivers Stoned?

It is generally understood that one of the greatest dangers on the roadways is the presence of drunk drivers. Now, with many states across the country legalizing the use of marijuana, there is a new danger to consider – truck drivers who are stoned. While the substance is different, the risk is still incredibly high. Truck drivers who drive while stoned pose a huge risk to all of the other vehicles around them. 

Signs that a Truck Driver Might be Stoned

Especially since truck drivers operate vehicles that are much larger than those around them, the injuries incurred in a collision have the potential to be serious and even life-threatening. For this reason, it’s important to maintain your own safety by understanding how to recognize a potentially stoned truck driver. Unlike a drunk driver, stoned drivers are typically less aggressive, so the signs might vary a bit. A few key signs to watch for include:

• Driving at a different speed than the rest of traffic – A driver who doesn’t observe the pace of traffic or the legally assigned speed limited might be distracted by drugs.
• Swerving in and out of a lane – When there is no reason to switch lanes, a truck driver will typically attempt to stay in their own lane. If a driver is swerving in and out of the lane they are in for no obvious reason, that might signify that the driver is stoned.
• Running through traffic signs – A truck driver that doesn’t stop for red lights, stop or yield signs might be influenced by drugs and unaware of their surroundings. This is dangerous behavior.

What to Do if You Think a Truck Driver is Stoned

If you believe that you are in close proximity to a stoned truck driver, there are a few things that you can do to minimize the risk of an accident and to attempt to keep yourself safe. These include but are not limited to: 

• Remove yourself from the scene by pulling off to the side of the road or exit the road all together as soon as it is safe to do so. 
• Memorize or write down the license number of the potentially stoned truck driver’s vehicle.
• Contact the highway patrol to report the incident and follow their instructions closely. They might ask you for additional details on the behavior of the truck driver to understand why you reported the vehicle. 

Call a Skilled Ohio Truck Accident Attorney Without Delay

When you’ve been injured by a truck driver, it can be challenging to know what steps to take to protect your rights. When a truck driver violates the law and drives after using marijuana, accident victims deserve full compensation for the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is important to learn about your right to compensation in your specific case. Contact the experienced team at Lafferty Law to set up a time to discuss your potential claim.