What it means

Alcohol and narcotics effect reasoning, coordination and reaction. For these reasons, anyone driving a vehicle should avoid them. Trucking under the influence basically means driving a truck while impaired by these substances, which can lead to serious accidents.

Impairment due to the consumption of these substances is directly proportional to the amount consumed. While the maximum blood alcohol concentration for truckers is 0.04% (same for all commercial drivers), at about 0.02%, their visual acuity becomes limited. Beyond 0.02%, other functions like concentration, reaction, and muscle coordination begin to drop, increasing the probability of a drunk driving accident.

The risks of trucking under the influence

Truck drivers spend a lot of time alone. In order to cope with being alone and the ennui that comes with it, they consume these substances. However, doing so is not without consequences.

Alcohol and narcotics may cause the trucker to sleep off while driving. Also, they may affect the trucker’s ability to react to traffic or apply brakes. Ultimately, these limitations lead to collisions.

The average truck weighs 20 times more than a car. Most times, when a truck collides with a car, the car and the passengers of the car take the most damage. Aside from the risk posed to drivers of smaller vehicles, the truckers are also at risk of injuries from such collisions.

Damages from such collisions include internal injuries, irreversible disabilities, and even death. Non-human damages include the destruction of cars and public properties.

In the USA, an average of 1 person dies every hour due to drug/alcohol-related crashes. Over 50 billion dollars are lost every year as a result of driving under the influence.

The penalties

With truck drivers and other commercial drivers, a lot can be lost due to mishaps. For this reason, they are subject to stricter regulations.

In the first instance, a trucker found to be driving under influence will have their license suspended for a year. Any other offense after will lead to the permanent suspension of their license.

Also, a trucker who refuses to use the Breathalyzer on request by the appropriate authorities will have their license suspended for a year. Refusing to use a Breathalyzer after the first instance will lead to a permanent license suspension.

Truckers will receive stiffer penalties depending on the gravity of the damage caused because they drove under the influence.

Conclusion

The best concentration of drugs/alcohol that should be in a trucker while driving should be 0. The risks associated with consuming these substances are usually very dire. Avoiding them before or during driving is the best way to preclude disaster.

If you have been injured as a result of a truck driver’s negligence or other motor vehicle accident, contact us now. An experienced attorney at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., is prepared to help you through your situation.

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