Officials Focused on Drugged/Drunk Truck Drivers

There are many regulations in place for commercial drivers. Because of the size of the vehicles that they are driving, safety is a top priority. Each year it seems more rules are put in place to further try to reduce the number of deadly truck accidents that are happening on roadways.

Drivers and companies that do not following these rules can be held accountable for their actions. Too many violations and they can be forced off-the-road. Each year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration conducts a sweep that is focused on finding truck drivers that are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

This year, the program took place from April 30 until May 11. The agency removed 287 drivers from the roads, and stated that 128 companies face sanctions because of the sweep. Officials with the FMCSA examined the records of drivers in an effort to determine if the drivers were going from employer to employer to avoid being ordered off of the road.

Companies that hire these drivers could face potential punishments. In the past, some carriers that were sanctioned would simply stop operating, and reform under a different name. New rules have been proposed that will make it much more difficult for operators to use these methods in the future.

Regulators are focused on taking dangerous truck drivers off of the roads. Because the number of truck accident fatalities has seemingly leveled off, officials want to know what they can do to ensure that they continue to address issues as they arise.

If you have been involved in a trucking accident, it is important to know what options may be available to you. Do not simply settle your case after talking with an insurance company. You may have serious injuries that require life-long care.

Source: Fleetowner.com “FMCSA drug/alcohol sweep removes 287 commercial drivers” June 26, 2012.