As you drive down any road or highway in Illinois and come upon a semi truck or other large commercial vehicle, you cannot help but be very aware at how much smaller the average passenger car is. That can put people in other vehicles at a serious disadvantage when accidents involving these big rigs and other cars, trucks or SUVs occur. The reasons for these crashes vary greatly and sadly sometimes involve truck driver impairment.
Trucking News Online explains how the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is working to crack down on drug and alcohol use among truckers. Recently put into effect is something called the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. This is essentially a database that will serve as a repository for information about drivers’ substance test results and any drug or alcohol violations. Licensing agencies such as state motor vehicle departments must review the database every time they issue a transferred, upgraded, renewed or new commercial driving license.
Employers must perform full pre-employment screenings before they can hire new drivers. After making hires, companies must review drivers’ records every year as well. Violations are mandated to be reported by employers and others including substance abuse and medical professionals. The goal of the Clearinghouse is to prevent drugged or drunk persons from getting behind the wheels of tractor trailers and other vehicles.
If you would like to learn more about impaired driving among commercial truck drivers, please feel free to visit the commercial vehicle crash page of our Illinois personal injury website.