A recent series of drugs tests that have taken place in haulage businesses have shown that many drivers resort to drugs in order to maintain their alertness on long truck journeys. These drugs include speed, cocaine and even ecstasy.
The results of these studies have shown that around one in every 10 drivers from a haulage company might test positive for illegal drugs. Despite these recently released figures Mike Penning, the Road Safety Minister, has stated that the roads in the UK are still some of the safest in the world.
However, there was one incident recently where a driver drove his truck into vehicles that were parked on the side of the motorway conducting maintenance. The driver was tested for alcohol but was found not to be under the influence, instead, he was being influenced by drugs.
Drivers are often going for distances that are beyond the safety recommendations and they do this by manipulating the system which ensures they do not drive too much. Often it is the case that drivers are switching round cards which measure how long they are travelling for and are lying to their employers about the use of illegal drugs.
The company who released these figures has not been identified as they do not want lose potential business. However, they have said that it is a problem that is prevalent across the industry and is not limited to just one company. Despite drug testing, the drivers have not lost their jobs
