What Medications Do Truckers Use to Stay Awake?

Just as drivers of non-commercial vehicles sometimes drive while drowsy, truckers can be the same. Especially with long hours on the road and usually not having anyone else in the cab with them, it can be easy for drivers to get sleepy. That’s why many truck drivers turn to legal, and sometimes illegal, methods to stay awake while on the road.

Legal Methods

Before even thinking about putting something into their system, drivers should pull over and try to rest before getting back on the road. If a truck driver is tired behind the wheel, a quick nap could make the difference between staying safe or getting into an accident.

Other ways to stay awake include drinking something with caffeine or other natural elements to help boost energy, listening to an audiobook, or opening the window of their vehicle. All of these legal, natural methods can help keep the driver more alert until they reach their destination.

Illegal Methods

Unfortunately, many drivers choose illegal methods as a way to stay awake behind the wheel. One of the most common medications truckers take is amphetamines. These types of drugs usually cause someone to become stimulated, excited, or even euphoric. While some amphetamines can be prescribed legally (such as Adderall and Ritalin) it doesn’t necessarily mean those who take those drugs are using them legally.

There are also some drugs that are illegal no matter what, such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Drivers will take these drugs to also get high or feel awake while driving. But because drugs like this are illegal, whether a person is driving or not, it makes the roadways especially dangerous if someone has taken a drug like this and then decides to drive.

What is also illegal is if drivers take more medication than what they’ve been prescribed or combine medications in hopes that the combination of the drugs will keep them awake. Most medications have specific instructions to not be taken with other drugs. This is to keep the person using the medication as safe as possible because there could be adverse effects, including impairment, from combining medications.

Do You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

It can be difficult to know after an accident if a truck driver was impaired from taking medication. That’s where Lanier Law Group, P.A. can come in. We know the questions to ask and will fight to get the answers you deserve after an accident. We have offices across North Carolina:

Get started with a free, no-obligation consultation today — (855) 757-4204.