Truck Driver Drug & Alcohol Abuse
Because of the increased danger associated with tractor-trailers, buses, delivery vans, and other commercial vehicles on the road, truck drivers are held to a higher standard than ordinary drivers. One of the ways truckers are restricted is through lower blood alcohol content limits, used for judging whether the truck driver is under the influence. CDL (commercial drivers licensed) drivers are usually charged with a Class 1 Misdemeanor DUI if they are found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .04 or greater. Drivers of private vehicles are usually judged to be "drunk" at .08 or .10 BAC.
One of the unfortunate facts of modern truck driving is that, for some truckers, the job includes habitual drug or alcohol abuse. Are truckers asked to stay awake for long hours (encouraging cases of crank/cocaine use)? Sure. Can bad things happen to truck drivers caught drunk for the first time? Definitely. But whether the truck driver is a first time or habitual offender, an accident involving drugs or alcohol is a situation where the victim needs to immediately contact an attorney. Trucking companies and individuals involved may push you to settle or otherwise compromise in what you deserve for your injuries. Davis Bethune & Jones is ready to stand on your side if you have been the victim of a trucking accident involing DUI or drugs.
