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Due to their sheer size and weight, trucks are incredibly dangerous in the event of an accident. Because of the hazardous nature of trucks, truck drivers are held to a higher standard of responsibility than traditional motorists, including a lower legal limit for blood alcohol concentration. Learn about the dangers that may arise when truck drivers violate regulations and drive under the influence.
Stricter Regulations
Truck drivers and all commercial vehicle drivers are held to stricter regulations than traditional motorists. In addition to hours-of-service regulations, which limit the length of time they may drive without a break, truck drivers must obey a stricter legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
BAC refers to the percent of alcohol present in a person’s bloodstream. A traditional motorist’s BAC must not exceed 0.08%. The BAC of a commercial driver, on the other hand, may not exceed 0.04%, half the legal limit for traditional motorists.
This stricter regulation was put in place because the stakes are much higher for a commercial driver than for a traditional motorist. Whether they are transporting flammable fluid in a fuel truck or bringing children to school on a school bus, commercial drivers operate their vehicles with a heightened level of responsibility and as such, are held to stricter driving regulations.
The Dangers of Intoxicated Truckers
When truck drivers do not respect this heightened responsibility and choose to operate their truck while intoxicated, the consequences may be catastrophic. Drinking impairs a trucker’s ability to react to sudden traffic changes and brake sufficiently to avoid an accident. Intoxication may also cause truck drivers to drift in between lanes or fall asleep at the wheel.
Because of its size and weight, any accident involving a truck often results in catastrophic injury or death to passenger vehicle occupants. In addition to physical injuries including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, victims often have to cope with lingering psychological trauma.
If you or someone you love has been harmed in an accident caused by an intoxicated trucker, do not suffer in silence. Our Mobile truck accident attorneys can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact Cunningham Bounds at (844) 417-0930 to learn how we can assist you.