May 26, 2014
Picking up from 6 Facts to Know about Alcohol, Drunk Truckers and Truck Accidents (Pt. 1), here is some more important info about alcohol impairment and trucking accidents.
Fact 3: Alcohol is not the only substance that can impair truckers’ abilities; over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs can also contribute to intoxication.
The number of drunk truckers causing accidents has been on the rise in recent years. Here are some important facts about alcohol and truck accidents.
While alcohol is a common substance that results in intoxication and can contribute to truck accidents, truckers – who are often under pressure to deliver cargo within strict deadlines – may turn to other substances to stimulate them in order to try to get loads delivered on or ahead of schedule. In fact, illegal drugs, as well as over-the-counter and prescription medications, may be taken by drivers (potentially even in conjunction with alcohol) in an effort to:
- Ease the stress of the job
- Help them drive for longer periods of time
- Help them deliver loads ahead of schedule to possibly receive bonuses.
When any substances – including alcohol, illegal drugs and even legal drugs – are used by truckers while they are on duty, these commercial drivers can be considered to be intoxicated, and they can be subject to serious criminal and civil penalties for such egregious and negligent behaviors.
Fact 4: The number of truck accidents caused by intoxicated drivers has been on the rise in recent years.
Despite the fact that the dangers of drunk and impaired driving are widely known:
- Many commercial (and non-commercial) drivers still continue to make reckless choices when it comes to driving while impaired.
- Tragically, the number of alcohol-related truck accidents seems to be increasing within recent years.
In fact, according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the largest increase in the number of alcohol-related fatal crashes has been among the drivers of large trucks.
Specifically, from 2011 to 2012 (the most recent time frame for which statistics are available), the number of alcohol-impaired driving deaths caused by the drivers of large trucks jumped up from 43 to 80, reflecting a nearly 86 percent increase. Although researchers caution that there may be some statistical variables to consider, the facts remain that:
- There has been a significant increase in drunk truckers causing deadly accidents in recent years.
- Lives could be saved if truckers didn’t get behind the wheel when they are impaired.
For some final important facts to know about alcohol and truck accidents, stay posted for the conclusion to this blog.
Denver Truck Accident Attorneys at McLaughlin Law Firm
Do you suspect that a drunk trucker caused you or a loved one to be injured in a truck accident? If so, the Denver truck accident lawyers at McLaughlin Law Firm are ready to meet with you. We are here to aggressively stand up for truck accident victims’ rights to compensation and help them hold negligent and reckless parties responsible for injuring them.
With more than 35 years of combined legal experience, our Denver truck accident attorneys are committed to being there for our clients at every stage of their case. While this means that we are dedicated to providing each of our clients’ cases with the personalized attention they deserve, it also results in us doing what is necessary to help our clients obtain the compensation and justice they need and deserve.
We Are Ready to Fight For You
Our Denver trucking accident lawyers invite you to learn more about your rights and get a thorough, professional evaluation of your case by meeting with us for a free, no obligations initial consult.
To set up this meeting today, call us at 720-420-9800 or email us using the form on this page.
