Truck Driver Criminal Behavior Causes Accidents

A semi driver’s decision to break the law can cause fatal truck accidents.

State and federal laws governing 18-wheelers and their drivers are put in place to protect the driving public. Semi truck drivers who consciously break those laws are responsible when their actions cause serious injury or death.

Every day, some commercial truck drivers choose to violate commercial trucking regulations. Speeding, keeping illegal duplicate log books to conceal long hours, using drugs to overcome fatigue, and driving without proper certification— each of these violations puts the driver and everyone else on the road at risk. In other cases truck drivers may drive legally, but make poor decisions that result in injury or death to others sharing the highway.

The truck accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP have the experience, resources, and determination needed to uncover truck driver negligence and get results in 18-wheeler accident cases.

When investigating a trucking accident, our lawyers work with skilled accident reconstruction experts and traffic engineers. We visit the scene of the accident. We examine law enforcement records and the records of the trucking company. We go over the driver's logbook with a fine-tooth comb, looking for signs of driver negligence or falsification. This investigation forms the basis of our case, and the information we develop often puts us in a position to obtain a full settlement for our client. Our attorneys have a reputation for success, so if the insurance company insists on fighting, we welcome the opportunity to go to trial.

Drivers of 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles have a responsibility to operate their vehicles in a safe manner and in compliance with Federal and State regulations. When they breach that trust, our attorneys stand ready to hold them accountable. In these and other serious truck accident cases, our goal is to maximize the compensation our clients receive.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse by Truck Drivers

As far as the workplace is concerned, the case of long distance truck drivers provides a good example. Research indicates long distance truck drivers are more likely to use amphetamines compared to the general work population (Hensher et al, 1991). This use is associated with the work conditions of drivers. Amphetamine use enables drivers to stay awake and drive longer hours, thereby earning more money while keeping freight rates at low level, which in turn brings more work. In this case, while drug use no doubt has a negative impact on health and safety, it can have a positive impact on productivity.

Source: Hensher, D.A., Fildes, B.N., Cameron, M., Parish, R., Taylor, D. & Digges, K. (1991). Long distance truck drivers on road performance and economic reward. Federal Office of Road Safety, Report no. CR99.

NTSB Safety Studies

Safety studies conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board have documented the role of alcohol and drugs use in accidents throughout the United States. One particular study targeted substance abuse as a factor in large truck accidents. Investigations of accidents in which the driver of a heavy truck was fatally injured determined that one-third of fatally injured large truck drivers tested positive for alcohol or other drugs.

Fatigue and fatigue-drug interactions were cited as the most common factor in these fatality accidents. Driver fatigue is a common cause of large truck accidents, but often truck drivers will resort to the use of amphetamines, methamphetamines or other stimulants to try to combat the effects of fatigue. NTSB studies uncovered a strong association between violations of the maximum driving time regulation and drug usage by drivers.

Alcohol and drug abuse is a cause for concern among all drivers however when you combine the impairment from substance abuse with the dangers of driving an 18-wheeler, the results can be catastrophic. In the early 1990’s the NTSB strengthened the regulations regarding alcohol and drug use by truck drivers. These regulations include prohibitions on use of alcohol or controlled substances on the job and requirements for pre-employment, post-accident and random drug and alcohol testing of drivers.

 

For a free consultation, contact a truck accident attorney at Arnold & Itkin LLP by calling toll free (866)222-2606 or by submitting the form at the top of this page.