DUI Trucking Accidents

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, also referred to as drunk driving, is one of the most common offenses in the court systems today. When a truck driver consumes alcohol before getting behind the wheel, they turn a type of transportation system for consumer goods or hazardous materials into a deadly weapon. This is unforgivable negilgence which causes accidents by intoxicated truck drivers.

A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Traffic Safety showed:

• 15% of truck drivers had marijuana in their systems
• 12% of truck drivers had non-prescription stimulants in their systems
• 5% of truck drivers had prescription stimulants in their systems
• 2% of truck drivers had cocaine in their systems
• 1% of truck drivers had alcohol is their systems

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Act of 1986 (The Act) has established a 0.04% blood alcohol content (BAC) as the maximum alcohol level a commercial vehicle driver can have it his or her system. Once a truck driver's BAC level reaches 0.04%, they can and will be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

When a commercial vehicle driver is pulled over for a DUI, he or she may be disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for one year after receiving their first DUI conviction. If the driver was transporting hazardous material when they receive their first DUI conviction, the minimum disqualification period increases to 3 years. After a second DUI conviction, the driver will be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for life.

Even with the strict licensing rules and regulations, commercial truck drivers are still abusing alcohol and various drugs. With the usage of controlled substances while driving, truck drivers are getting into more and more accidents on the US roadways.

Have you or someone you know been involved in an alcohol related truck accident? If so, contact one of our experienced truck accident attorneys in your area today!

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Have you or someone you know been involved in an alcohol related truck accident? If so, contact one of our experienced truck accident lawyers in your area today!