Large truck accidents and drunk driving

Large truck collisions occur for a host of reasons, such as driver fatigue, hectic traffic, distractions and speeding. In addition, many large truck collisions take place as a result of drunk driving, whether someone riding a motorcycle or driving a car is under the influence or a large truck driver gets behind the wheel while intoxicated.

When truckers drive drunk, this behavior is particularly dangerous due to the size of these vehicles and the increased difficulty controlling a large truck. Tragically, many people lose their lives in fatal large truck accidents that occur as a result of drunk driving every year.

Data on large trucks and fatal accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says that in 2019, more than 4,900 large truck drivers became involved in fatal accidents. Among truckers involved in deadly crashes during 2019, 3.1% had a BAC level of .01 or higher, and 2% had a BAC level of .08 or greater. In 2016 and 2018, 4.3% of large truck drivers involved in deadly collisions had a BAC level of .01 or greater.

Alcohol and deadly large truck crashes in previous years

Sadly, recent data reflects an increase in the prevalence of alcohol intoxication among large truck drivers involved in deadly crashes in comparison to certain previous years. In 1999, 1.5% of large truck drivers involved in fatal collisions had a BAC level of .08 or greater, compared to only 1% of truckers in 2007.

Drunk truck drivers must face consequences for their actions, especially if they cause an accident that results in injuries or deaths. If a drunk trucker turned your life upside down, gather evidence and go over the details of the crash closely.