Concerning Number of Commercial Truck Drivers Are Drunk or High

 Posted on February 09, 2026 in Truck Accidents

There's a bit of a stereotype that commercial drivers are a little rough around the edges. This is especially true of long-haul semi truck drivers. Is there anything to this? If there is, what does it mean for these drivers and other drivers on the road?

Unfortunately, truck drivers might actually be more prone to substance abuse than the average person, in large part because of their unique job challenges.

Even though the job is difficult, it is still a commercial driver’s responsibility to drive safely. If you have been hurt in a truck accident with an intoxicated driver, a Dallas County truck accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights.

Why Do Commercial Drivers Turn to Drugs and Alcohol?

Truck driving is demanding. Drivers spend long hours alone on the road. Commercial drivers work around 70 hours a week for eight days at a time, covering about 500 miles per day.

Because of this, truck drivers spend long periods away from their families. Their jobs are isolating and often boring. They also have a lot of pressure from their companies to meet tight deadlines. This can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, which makes their emotional state worse.

What Substances Do Commercial Drivers Use Most Often?

According to the Defense Information Systems Agency, marijuana contributes to nearly 60 percent of all positive drug tests among commercial drivers as of 2026. Other common substances include:

• Amphetamines (like Adderall)
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Alcohol
• Prescription stimulants

A Reuters interview found that 50 percent of drivers admitted to drinking and driving, and 30 percent to using amphetamines. About 19 percent of truck drivers reported binge drinking. US-based truckers actually had the highest number of positive alcohol tests in the world.

There is also evidence that substance abuse has increased since then. The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse has tracked violations since January 2020. According to their statistics, more than 72,000 truck drivers have been removed from the road because of failed drug tests. Total violations increased by 28 percent between 2020 and 2022.

What Kind of Drug Testing Do Commercial Drivers Legally Have to Do?

Under federal law 49 CFR Part 382, commercial motor vehicle drivers must pass several types of testing:

• Pre-employment testing
• Random testing (50 percent of drivers annually for drugs, 10 percent for alcohol)
• Post-accident testing
• "Reasonable suspicion" testing
• Return-to-duty testing. This is given when truckers return to work after having a positive test
• Random follow-up testing on truckers who previously failed tests

The legal blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers is 0.04 percent, half the limit for regular drivers.

The Risks to Other Drivers When a Truck Driver Isn’t Sober

Because a loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, impaired truck driving is much more dangerous than it is in a normal car or truck.

Drugs like opioids and marijuana slow reaction times. Drivers under the influence of alcohol cannot respond quickly to traffic changes or hazards, and their ability to judge stopping distances gets worse. 

Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines can cause aggressive and unsafe driving behaviors. These drugs may make drivers feel alert at first, but they also cause irritability, paranoia, and panic attacks.

The drugs used to stay awake often actually make fatigue worse. After the effects wear off, drivers feel more exhausted. This increases their risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

What Can You Do If You Are Injured by an Impaired Truck Driver in Texas?

If you are hurt in an accident caused by an impaired truck driver, you have legal rights. The driver violated federal regulations designed to keep others safe, and you may be entitled to compensation.

Truck accident cases with impaired drivers are often complicated because they involve the driver, the trucking company, and sometimes whoever loaded the truck. An attorney is extremely important to make sure you get whatever compensation is available to you. We can investigate thoroughly, including getting drug test results for the driver and looking at the company's compliance with federal testing requirements.

Call a Dallas County Personal Injury Attorney Today

Commercial driver substance abuse is a real concern on roadways. If you have been injured in an impaired driver truck accident, you need someone who understands the legal situation.

At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., Mr. Andrews is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in personal injury trials. We handle each case on a contingency basis; you pay no fees or costs unless you win. Our staff speaks Spanish fluently. We offer excellent legal services to the Spanish-speaking community. Contact a Dallas truck accident lawyer at 214-221-5800 today for a free consultation. 

Se habla Español.