The general public is under the assumption that driving under the influence refers to alcohol but that is a misconception since drugs whether prescribed or not are also in this category and are subject to the same fines.
Due to the devastation if an 18 wheeler could cause if in an accident it is mandatory for truckers who hold a CDL license to be required to be tested for drugs and a risk trucking companies don’t want to risk.
Studies have showed that 15% of all interstate truck drivers had marijuana in their system, 12% had stimulants (non-prescription), 5% had prescription stimulants, 2% had cocaine, and less than 1% had alcohol in their system. Now that is an OUI.
The driver does not have to be drunk to be over the limit. The blood alcohol count (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For truck drivers, it is 0.04%, because they are operating a bigger vehicle and they have long routes.
Most people falsely believe that driving while high on marijuana is not as dangerous as drunken driving. However, this drug also affects the concentration, reaction times and perception and that for up to 24 hours long, whereas alcohol only affects the mind for around 3 to 4 hours and that depends on the amount of alcohol consumed. In fact, marijuana has been the reason behind more than 12% of all fatal accidents involving trucks. That fact proves it is not safe to use marijuana and drive.
Truck drivers work long shifts and sometimes it is hard for them to stay awake. Therefore, they want to get something for it, such as meth or ice. It is very easy for truckers to get hold of those drugs at truck stops. Surveys show that 1 in 5 truckers use those hardcore drugs so they can stay awake.
Law enforcement watches truckers hard. They will not stand for any intoxicated drivers. They will pull a trucker over even if they suspect them. They have ways of testing to see if you are intoxicated. They have the breathalyzer test to see if you have been drinking, they have the field sobriety test, and they can even swab drug test you or search you.
A breathalyzer is a piece of equipment that a driver has to blow into and it will then show whether or not that person has been drinking and if so, how much. A field sobriety test is well know and is made up of different exercises like nystagmus, walking and turning, touching the nose with a finger, balancing on one leg and the Romberg balance test. The nystagmus test is just when an object is put in front of a suspect’s face by the law enforcement officer and the suspect then has to watch it go back and forth. The eyes basically tell all. An officer also can choose to have a chemical test performed on the suspect’s urine or blood.
A swab drug test is basically done by taking a swab and collecting saliva from the mouth. It is then tested and if the results are hot then it is considered an OUI.
The bottom line is it is not safe for truckers or anyone to drive under the influence.
To read more good information about Maine DUI, try these blogs with posts on DUI laws in Maine.
Tags: alcohol, attorney, autos, Cars, driving, drunk driving, dui, law, lawyer, legal, OUI
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