What should you do if you suspect a trucker is driving while intoxicated?

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 150 motorists died in a recent year due to drunk truck drivers. Thousands more innocent victims were injured. We want you to stay safe and out of harm’s way, so we have prepared this piece to give you tips on what to do if you suspect a trucker is driving under the influence. If a drunk truck driver hurt you or a loved one, our Texas truck accident legal team offers a free case review to discuss your legal rights and options.

Dangers of Drunk Driving

Drinking and drug abuse are serious issues for truck drivers. Some drivers turn to stimulants to stay awake, while others use drugs or alcohol to cope with personal issues like long periods away from their families. Regardless of the reason, drinking or doing drugs while driving is dangerous and can result in serious accidents that claim the lives of innocent victims.

Signs a Trucker is Driving Impaired

The first step is recognizing the signs that a truck driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some warning signs include:

• Swerving or weaving in and out of lanes
• Inability to maintain a lane
• Sudden stops and starts
• Tailgating
• Erratic driving
• Driving in non-traffic lanes, such as bike lanes or sidewalks
• Coming in close contact with other vehicles, curbs, or stationary objects
• Speeding or slow driving
• Keeping their head down
• Ignoring traffic signals or signs
• Driving at night without headlights
• Driving on the wrong side of the road
• Throwing bottles, cans, or other items out the window to get rid of evidence of alcohol or drug use

What to Do If You Are Driving Next to a Drunk Truck Driver

If you notice any of the signs listed above, take the following steps to stay safe:

1. Back Away: Keep a safe distance from the truck by slowly backing away.
2. Don’t Pass: Your instinct might be to get as far away from the driver as possible, but you should not attempt to pass them. This may anger them or cause them to try to block you. Pull back instead.
3. Get to Safety: As soon as possible, get off the roadway so you are not driving near the drunk driver.
4. Report the Driver: Even if you’re not completely sure the driver is drunk, it’s better to err on the side of caution and report them. They could be jeopardizing the lives and safety of other motorists. Recognizing the potential danger of drunk truck drivers, the federal government has set the BAC level for commercial drivers at 0.04%, so they should not be driving if they’ve even had just a little to drink. The police can stop the driver and investigate if they are a danger to others.

What to Do If You Believe a Drunk Truck Driver Caused an Accident

If you were involved in an accident with a truck driver and think that the truck driver might have been impaired or intoxicated, make sure to report your suspicions to the police when they respond. They will know what signs to look for and can investigate further to avoid losing valuable evidence to prove your case.

Schedule Your Free Personal Injury Consultation Today

If you were hurt in an accident caused by a drunk driver, call us for help today. At Dunham & Jones, we provide a free, no-obligation case review and work on a contingency-fee basis, so you have nothing to lose.