When accepting a driver’s license, a person in Ohio should be keenly aware of the responsibility that they hold while simultaneously enjoying the privilege of driving. This responsibility can be even greater when the person chooses to drive for a living and operate a large, commercial vehicle. Even when it comes to determining intoxication by alcohol, commercial drivers are held to a different standard where impairment is said to be evident with a blood alcohol content of 0.04 percent compared to 0.08 percent for other drivers.
There is even oversight from the federal government for drug and alcohol use among persons with commercial driving licenses. None of these facts, however, seemed to matter much to one trucker who chose to operate his big right while not only drunk but also under the influence of a drug.
As reported by NBC 4i, the man was driving his truck east along Interstate 80 near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border when the semi truck for some reason left the roadway. Eventually the truck jack knifed after it hit some trees and a ditch. Riding in the truck was a woman. She was said to be in sleeping berth at the time of the crash. She was killed in the accident. The incident occurred in the early evening when it was still daylight out.
Both drugs and alcohol were found to be factors according to reports. The driver now faces multiple criminal charges including aggravated vehicular homicide. It is not know if any civil action has or may be initiated on the part of the deceased woman’s family.
