Truck safety is compromised when truckers are under the influence

On Behalf of | Oct 28, 2024 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

One of the biggest concerns for Montana drivers when they share the road with large trucks is whether the trucker is adhering to the law and rules for operating such a large vehicle. While speeding, distraction, drowsiness and recklessness are some of the most common reasons that accidents occur, drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs put everyone at risk.

To address the ongoing problem, truck drivers will see their licenses downgraded under a new rule implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The objective is to prevent drivers from remaining on the road after they have been cited for driving under the influence.

Still, if a trucker is willing to get behind the wheel after using drugs or consuming alcohol, the new rules might not dissuade them from repeating that behavior. Those who are in a truck accident and are wondering about their options need to be cognizant of the possibility that the trucker’s behavior was a primary factor and act accordingly.

Clearinghouse Regulations try to address truckers using drugs and alcohol

The pending rule is known as Clearinghouse II. The first version of Clearinghouse has been in effect since the start of 2020. It sought to prevent truckers from going from one job to another after failed drug and alcohol tests. Statistically, it has been successful.

According to the FMCSA, a substantial number of truckers who violated the law were removed from the road. Unfortunately, an estimated 177,000 trickers are prohibited from driving commercial vehicles but have not gone through the process to get back on the road. Many might be driving anyway.

With Clearinghouse II, the FMSCA will filter the information as to which drivers are violating the law and are trying to get back on the road. They will then pass it along to state Departments of Motor Vehicles. The states, in turn, will downgrade the truckers’ licenses accordingly. Truck companies will be impacted as the cost of keeping the driver on their payroll will increase since it is harder to insure them. This will have the effect of getting dangerous drivers off the road.

The most recent numbers say there are around 5 million drivers registered as part of the initial implementation of the Clearinghouse. Almost a half-million employers are also registered.

People injured in a truck accident want answers

Anyone who was hurt in a truck accident will have myriad questions as to what steps to take. The same is true for families who have lost a loved one. Among the issues they will face is whether they have a legal claim; what their maximum payout might be; if there are potential obstacles to the case; how long they will need to wait; their employment status; how an inability to work is addressed; the crash evidence and its validity; and medical care.

Since people who are confronted with the aftermath of an auto crash will have enough on their plate, they should know the value of professional guidance. Consulting experienced people who fight for those they represent can give them an idea as to what can be done and assist them in moving forward.

 

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