Anytime a person gets behind the wheel in Pennsylvania it is important that they pay attention to what they are doing and drive safely. That is why it is illegal for people to drive if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, this is particularly important for truck drivers. Semi-trucks are much larger than most other vehicles on the road. This means there is a greater likelihood that people will suffer catastrophic injuries in a truck accident, rather than in one just involving cars.
That is why there are strict rules about alcohol consumption for truck drivers. To help ensure that these rules are being followed there are also a number of testing requirements as well. The testing begins before the truck driver is even hired. Truck companies are required to test drivers prior to employment. There is also random testing that truck companies must conduct each year as well. In addition the random testing, any time an employer has a reasonable suspicion that a driver may be using drugs or alcohol they can test them. The truck companies must also test drivers after any accident and before they return to work.
While there are many different types of testing and times when truck companies must test truck drivers, some will still slip through the cracks. In these cases, by time the company finds out that the driver is under the influence it is too late, and an innocent victim may have suffered life-changing injuries. If this does occur, the driver and the truck company may be required to compensate the victim for all damages suffered as a result of the accident.
Most truck drivers in Pennsylvania follow the rules and drive safely while on the roads. However, this is not true for every driver, and sometimes they are under the influence or make other mistakes that lead to truck accidents. The victims of these accidents can be left in very difficult situations. While compensation will not help heal their injuries it can still be very valuable as they recover.
Source: ecfr.gov, “Subpart C – Tests Required” accessed on April 16, 2018
