Those who reside in Los Angeles know what it’s like to live with allergies. From the smoke to the dust, the contaminants make just about everyone prone to experiencing allergy symptoms, and truck drivers are no exception. And just like the average driver, truckers often turn to medication to help rid themselves of the sneezing, watery eyes, and scratchy throat symptoms that allergies are known for. Unfortunately, taking these medications can be risky.
Why Antihistamines Are Dangerous
If you’ve ever taken antihistamines before, you likely know some of the side effects they can cause. Drowsiness and dizziness are common, and as you may imagine, potentially dangerous to a truck driver. Attempting to operate a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds while feeling extremely tired and out of sorts can cause a fatal accident. Falling asleep behind the wheel or not having the appropriate amount of focus while driving can end in disaster.
Additionally, taking decongestants can disrupt sleep patterns, which can cause sleepiness during work hours. Not feeling fully awake can lead to errors and accidents.
Allergy Symptoms Are Comparable to the Effects of Alcohol
Since taking medication can cause problems for truck drivers, you may conclude that avoiding it is the right course of action. According to a report in Automotive Fleet magazine, however, that may be wrong. A study in Netherlands found that driving while experiencing allergy symptoms is comparable to driving with a 0.03 blood alcohol level. Although this level isn’t illegal, it can cause diminished concentration levels, which is dangerous.
What Can You Do?
The next time you’re riding next to a massive truck on the 101, will you feel confident that the driver is fully functional? Unfortunately, the answer is probably “no.” If you suffered from broken bones, muscle injury, facial damage, or any kind of trauma because of a truck driver’s negligence, the attorneys of the Steinberg Injury Lawyers may be able to help you seek compensation that can cover time lost from work, medical bills, and vehicle repairs.
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