Maryland DUID Accident Victim Attorneys

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Related Accident

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a serious health and safety concern nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,839 people were killed in 2009 as the result of alcohol-impaired driving. Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs typically slows reaction times, affects judgment, decreases alertness, and impedes muscle control. As a result, alcohol or drug-impaired drivers tend to abruptly and haphazardly change speed, drift across lanes, ignore traffic signals and signs, collide with fixed objects, poorly navigate turns, and have difficulty stopping. This is especially dangerous for drivers of 80,000-pound tractor trailers. The immense size and weight of semi trucks makes them dangerous to others for those reasons alone. When alcohol intoxication or the influence of drugs is added to the inherent danger of such a large vehicle, the consequences can be devastating.

Big Rig DUI Statistics

Although there are not as many trucks on the road as there are passenger vehicles, and thus there are fewer alcohol or drug abuse related truck accidents, when a truck DUI crash does occur, it is far more dangerous than a crash involving a smaller passenger vehicle. According to the NHTSA, in 2006, 4,729 truck drivers were involved in fatal truck crashes as the result of alcohol impairment. In 2007, 4,551 alcohol-impaired truck operators were involved in fatal truck crashes. In 2008, 2 percent of large truck drivers involved in fatal accidents were alcohol-impaired with BAC levels of at least .08.

FMCSA Alcohol and Drug Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial vehicle activity in the U.S. This includes driver licensing, truck size, weight restrictions, Hours of Service (HOS) requirements, and alcohol and drug testing procedures. All truck operators that hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) and operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on public roadways are required to submit to drug and alcohol tests by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), including:

• Pre-Employment;
• Random Testing;
• Reasonable Suspicion;
• Post-Accident;
• Return-to-Duty; and
• Follow-Up Testing.

If a big rig operator tests positive for alcohol or drugs, or refuses to submit to the tests, the FMCSA will immediately remove him or her from operating any CMV on public roads. Each state would have its own consequences as well.

Making the Right Choice

Making the decision to drink and drive or take drugs, prescription or illicit, and drive is simply that: a choice. A semi truck DUI crash may cause catastrophic injuries, disability, or even death to other motorists. If a truck driver chooses to place the health and safety of other motorists in danger by violating alcohol and drug regulations, then that driver may be held responsible for the losses and damages their negligence causes. At Alpert Schreyer, our experienced Charles County big rig accident attorneys are dedicated to providing our clients with the support and legal action they need to obtain the financial and emotional justice they deserve. To discuss your potential personal injury claim with one of our truck accident lawyers in Maryland, call us today at 1 (800) 489-1577 for a no-cost consultation.