Fatigue and Beyond: Patterns of and Motivations for Illicit Drug Use Among Long-Haul Truck Drivers
(2007) Fatigue and Beyond: Patterns of and Motivations for Illicit Drug Use Among Long-Haul Truck Drivers. Traffic Injury Prevention 8(3):pp. 253-259.
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Abstract
Objectives. The present study aimed to investigate the illicit drug use patterns of long-distance truck drivers. This population is considered to be a special interest group in terms of drug-driving research and policy due to high rates of use, involvement of drugs in truck accidents, and the link between drug use and work-related fatigue. Methods. Qualitative interview data were conducted at truck stops and loading facilities in both metropolitan and regional sites throughout Queensland. Results. High rates of licit and illicit drug use (particularly amphetamines) were reported by the majority of the sample. However, unlike previous studies that focus on fatigue, this research found overlapping and changing motivations for drug use during individual lifetimes. Becker's model of a drug use "career" was utilized to reveal that some drivers begin illicit drug use before they commence truck driving. As well as fatigue, powerful motives such as peer pressure, wanting to fit the trucking "image," socialization, relaxation, and addiction were also reported as contributing factors to self-reported drug driving. Conclusions. The results indicate that these additional social factors may need to be considered and incorporated with fatigue factors when developing effective drug prevention or cessation policies for truck drivers.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Keywords: | Amphetamines; Drug Use Career; Fatigue; Illicit Drug Use; Truck Drivers |
| Subjects: | 380000 Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences > 380100 Psychology > 380101 Sensory Processes, Perception and Performance 350000 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services > 350400 Transportation > 350405 Road and Rail Transportation 320000 Medical and Health Sciences > 321200 Public Health and Health Services > 321201 Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety 380000 Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences > 380100 Psychology > 380105 Social and Community Psychology |
| ID Code: | 10787 |
| Deposited By: | Schnyder, Anthony J. |
| Deposited On: | 28 November 2007 |
| Alternative Locations: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15389580601186034 |
| Copyright Owner: | Copyright 2007 Taylor & Francis |
| Copyright Statement: | First published in Traffic Injury Prevention 8(3):pp. 253-259. |
| Additional Information: | The author-version of this article will be available 18 months after publication. For more information, please refer to the journal’s website (see hypertext link) or contact the author. |