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Driving under the influence

Because of the catastrophic damage a commercial truck can cause, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most serious violations in the trucking industry. Federal rules set stricter standards for truck drivers than for regular motorists.

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  • Truck Accident Law Team
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Article 3 of 6 in Causes of Truck Accidents/

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) as a Cause of Truck Accidents

Stricter Standards for Truck Drivers

  • For regular drivers, the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%.
  • For commercial truck drivers, the BAC limit is 0.04%, reflecting the higher risk posed by large vehicles.

Types of Impairment

  1. Alcohol

    • Slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and reduces coordination.
    • Even small amounts can make a truck driver unsafe.

  2. Illegal Drugs

    • Substances like cocaine, methamphetamines, or marijuana impair focus and decision-making.
    • Some stimulants may mask fatigue but lead to reckless driving or crashes.

  3. Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

    • Certain painkillers, sleep aids, or antihistamines can cause drowsiness or impaired alertness.
    • FMCSA requires drivers to disclose all medications and prohibits use of drugs that affect safe operation.

Regulatory Framework

  • FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program requires:
    • Pre-employment screening.
    • Random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing.
    • Immediate removal of drivers who test positive.
  • Employers must report violations to the FMCSA Clearinghouse database.

Consequences for Drivers

  • Immediate disqualification from driving a commercial motor vehicle.
  • Suspension or permanent revocation of CDL.
  • Criminal charges, fines, and jail time depending on state laws.
  • DUI in a truck accident case is almost always negligence per se.
  • Victims may seek punitive damages due to reckless disregard for safety.
  • Employers may also face liability if they failed to enforce compliance or knowingly allowed an impaired driver on the road.

Summary: Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous and heavily penalized causes of truck accidents. With stricter BAC limits and mandatory testing, federal and state laws recognize the devastating potential of impaired truck driving and impose severe consequences on violators.

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Truck Accident Law Team

Written by : Truck Accident Law Team

Attorneys, investigators, and legal writers focused on U.S. trucking safety, litigation strategy, and victim advocacy.

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