States Must Enforce New FMCSA Prohibited Trucker Regulation By November 18th
To operate a large commercial truck safely, a driver needs to be licensed, trained, and in the proper state of mind. Intoxicated truckers are extremely dangerous. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains a comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. It is a real-time database of CDL drug and alcohol violations.
As of November 18th, 2024, all states must enforce the FMCSA “prohibited trucker” regulations to keep dangerous drivers—those with serious drug/alcohol related CDL violations—off of the road. In this article, our Miami semi-truck accident lawyers provide a more detailed overview of risks posed by intoxicated truckers and the new safety regulation.
Intoxicated Truckers Pose a Serious Health and Safety Hazard
Drunk driving is dangerous driving. Drugged driving is just as dangerous. While all motorists need to be in the proper mental state, it is even more crucial for truckers. Intoxicated truck drivers pose a significant threat to road safety. Operating heavy commercial vehicles requires constant vigilance, quick reflexes, and precise decision-making—and these abilities are severely impaired under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When a truck driver is intoxicated, the risk of accidents increases.
Understanding the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse as a centralized database to track commercial drivers’ drug and alcohol program violations. It was launched on January 6th, 2020. Among other things, the federal Clearinghouse aims to enhance road safety by ensuring that drivers with unresolved substance abuse issues are not operating commercial motor vehicles. Employers, state licensing agencies, and law enforcement officials can and use this database to access real-time information about drivers’ compliance with federal substance testing regulations. CDL Employers are required to report any drug or alcohol violations to the Clearinghouse. Further, employers must query the database for prospective employees during the hiring process.
New Regulation in Place—States Must Address CDL Drivers With Violations
Starting on November 18th, 2024, all U.S. states must comply with the FMCSA’s prohibited driver regulation. A CDL must be denied to and stripped from any driver who is on the federal agency’s prohibited driver list.
Injured Victims Need Compensation
Were you or your loved one hurt in a crash caused by an intoxicated truck driver? Whether they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is imperative that you are able to secure the absolute maximum financial compensation. Depending on the nature and severity of your crash, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Automobile damage;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Physical therapy;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death.
Speak to Our Miami Truck Accident Attorney
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami commercial truck accident lawyer has the professional expertise that injured victims can trust. We are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation for our clients. If you were hurt in a crash with a trucker who was unfit to drive, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation initial consultation with a top attorney.
Source:
clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/
