Alcohol affects a driver’s ability to accurately discern distances and slows their reaction time significantly. Drunk driving is dangerous enough when the driver is behind the wheel of a standard sized automobile; however, a drunk driver behind the wheel of a large tractor-trailer is a recipe for disaster. Tractor-trailers can weigh as much as 60 tons, making them very unwieldy in emergency situations, even with a sober driver.
On Sunday, April 7, a 45-year-old truck driver was heading down Route 173 near mile-marker six in Bethlehem, New Jersey when he lost control of the vehicle. The tractor-trailer rolled onto its side, taking a row of power lines down with it. Either sparks from the power lines or simply the impact of the roll ignited the engine compartment.
Thankfully, two New Jersey policemen were on patrol near Route 173 around the time of the accident. They found the driver stuck inside the cab, where the flames were spreading quickly. Policemen broke through the windshield and tried to pull the driver out; however, he was found to be severely intoxicated, large in stature and would not let go of the inside of the truck. After a third policeman arrived to assist in the extrication, the driver was freed from the cab just moments before it was engulfed in flames.
Firefighters from around the area, including Stewartsville and Washington, joined the Pattenburg Volunteer Fire Co. to help extinguish the flames. The truck driver has since been charged with driving while intoxicated and received multiple motor vehicle summonses.
Driver error is the most common cause of commercial truck accidents, ranking far ahead of inclement weather and adverse road conditions. Furthermore, driver error is most commonly rooted in intoxication, prescription drug use and fatigue. Federal regulations require that trucking companies regularly test their drivers for drugs and alcohol, as well as conduct a thorough background check into the driver’s history of substance abuse.
Looking For An Injury Attorney In New Jersey That Specializes In Truck Accidents?
If you or a loved one has been injured in truck accident caused by an intoxicated driver, our Middlesex County injury attorneys can secure the compensation that you need for your injuries. Since 1928, we have been fighting alongside the innocent victims of New Jersey car accidents. Our attorneys have an in depth knowledge of the inner workings of the trucking industry that we will utilize on your behalf so that you can enjoy a swift and comfortable recovery from your injuries. For more information, consider calling our office today to speak with one of our representatives.
[Did You Know: In the past 20 years, the incidence of truck accidents has risen 20 percent.]
Spevack Law Firm – Middlesex County personal injury lawyers
