Anyone who is operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs poses a serious danger to themselves and others around them. When that driver is behind the wheel of a semi-truck, which might weigh up to 80,000 pounds and could be carrying hazardous substances, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Despite the risk involved and specific rules that apply to commercial vehicle operators, many truck drivers do hit the road when they’re not in a condition to do so. Following a crash in Kitsap County, a semi-truck driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The incident took place on State Route 16 at Tremont Street West in the westbound lanes. After the truck went through a barrier and came to a stop, its trailer was hanging off a hill, casting doubt as to whether the vehicle could be salvaged. While police did not have all of the relevant details at the time of the arrest, they confirmed that the driver displayed signs of impairment and was taken into custody.

Though the majority of commercial truck drivers follow the law and prioritize safety, instances of impaired driving do occur. Some of the measures created to stop this dangerous behavior include the following:

• Tougher legal intoxication standard — Under Washington law, drivers of commercial vehicles are considered legally intoxicated if their blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is .04 percent or higher. For other motorists 21 and over, the standard is .08 percent. Any amount of THC subjects a commercial truck driver to criminal prosecution, as opposed to the 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood level used for other drivers.

• Mandatory drug and alcohol tests — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a mandatory drug and alcohol testing program for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, which includes pre-employment, random and post-accident testing.

• Severe penalties — Even a first drunk-driving conviction is punishable by a one-year CDL disqualification. 

When law enforcement reports to the scene of a truck accident, they should always investigate whether alcohol or drug impairment factored into the crash. However, there might be a lot going on at the scene, particularly if there are injured victims. It is not always immediately apparent that a driver is under the influence, and police could assume that a commercial vehicle operator was sober.

At GSJones Law Group, P.S., our experienced Washington State lawyers conduct an exhaustive review of the facts to determine what contributed to a vehicle collision, even if something was missed on the police report. We are committed to holding negligent parties, including truck drivers and the companies that employ them, accountable. Our firm serves clients throughout Kitsap, Mason and Jefferson counties, as well as Vashon Island. For a consultation, please call 360-876-9221 or contact us online for a consultation. Our office is in Port Orchard.