Can Depression Impact Ability to Drive?

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]

MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is one of the leading mental health illnesses in the United States. Major depression can have an impact on a person’s ability to perform a range of life tasks, including work, play, and social activities. Truck drivers are not exempt from conditions that affect the general population. In fact, the truck driving lifestyle can actually make drivers more prone to developing certain kinds of mental health conditions. If a truck driver develops depression, can this condition impact a that person’s ability to drive?

A University of Toronto study investigated the role that depression might play in driver safety. According to the study, approximately 8 to 9 percent of road fatalities are due to suicides. Truck drivers may be more at risk of suicidal thought and depression due to their lifestyles. This population often spends long periods of time away from their families. Social disconnection is a known risk-factor for increased depression risk.

A review of studies on mental illness and driving ability also found that drivers with mental illness had higher accident rates and higher rates of traffic violations. Other studies indicated that depression put drivers at a higher risk of collisions. Driver simulation studies found that individuals suffering from mental illness also performed more poorly on driver simulations. Drivers’ reaction times were delayed and some drivers were found to swerve more frequently than control groups. Other studies also found that depressed drivers were more likely to engage in road rage activities.

These studies indicate that truck drivers who suffer from depression might benefit from treatment. However, research has also shown that medication to treat depression can also impact a truck driver’s abilities behind the wheel.

So, what’s the takeaway? Drivers suffering from depression aren’t likely to take themselves off the road any time soon, given that there is currently a shortage of truck drivers. Ultimately, it is up to regulators to determine which medical conditions are serious enough to interfere with driving ability. Currently truck drivers are required to pass medical tests to keep their licensing. It is up to doctors to make the determination that truck drivers are not fit to drive.

What can you do if you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Mount Pleasant, Texas? The Cooper Law Firm are truck accident attorneys who can review the details of your case and help you understand your rights. Our firm takes the time to understand the various factors that may have contributed to your accident and helps families seek damages for their losses from responsible parties. Truck companies and drivers are required to abide by a range of federal laws and local regulations. When drivers and companies cut corners, people can get hurt. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, protect your rights. Visit us at the Cooper Law Firm in Mount Pleasant, Texas today.

Cooper Law Firm
501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone: (903) 297-0037

Read more accident articles here

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]