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Scary Statistics About Prescription Drug Use & Norfolk Truck Accidents

Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are used by thousands of drivers daily throughout Virginia; why should truck drivers be an exception? The common side effects that impact the driver of a tiny two-door sedan also have the same impact on a trucker driving an over-sized eighteen-wheeler. A study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that over 40 percent of all truck accidents involved a trucker who was taking either prescription or over-the-counter medications. This is compared to the use of illegal drugs by truck drivers, which was only two percent, and the use of alcohol by truckers, which was only one percent. While these statistics are startling, the National Transportation Safety Board believes that the number of truck collisions involving the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications is seriously under-reported.

Among older truck drivers in Virginia, there has been a significant increase in the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications. For drivers who have been involved in crashes with trucks in Virginia, a Norfolk truck accident attorney can determine whether the truck driver was using prescription or over-the-counter medications, and whether the use of these medications caused one or more of the following side effects:

  1. Drowsiness
  2. Dizziness
  3. Confusion
  4. Aggression
  5. Agitation
  6. Blurred Vision

Each one of these side effects is dangerous for a Norfolk truck driver, as the side effects may cause the trucker to make poor decisions, take unnecessary risks, slow the reaction time, and even fall asleep at the wheel. Norfolk truck accidents occur all of the time and, unfortunately, many of these accidents are fatal.

However, it must be noted that truckers, like all other drivers on the road, are allowed to use medication that has been appropriately prescribed by a physician. And, like all other drivers, truckers must pay close attention to the side effects and know the best time to take the medication.

Medicated truck drivers are dangerous truck drivers. Contact Norfolk truck accident attorney Michael Weisberg if you have been involved in a crash with a truck driver. Attorney Michael Weisberg represents clients throughout southeastern Virginia. Call the law office toll free at (800) 690-0235, or complete the contact form on this page for a free consultation. Also, order a free copy of the book written by Attorney Weisberg, What You Need to Know About Getting a Fair and Reasonable Settlement. An experienced Norfolk truck accident lawyer is ready to speak with you.




Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Email: info@weislaw.com
www.weislaw.com