Substance abuse is a serious problem in cities across the country. Not only are law enforcement officials overwhelmed with the effects of these self-destructive behaviors, but innocent citizens are being impacted as impaired drivers take to the roadways. This problem is so prevalent that vehicle crashes caused by driver overdoses are becoming a common occurrence. Further exacerbating the problem is the fact that many of these incidents involve truck drivers.
In 2016, Ohio law enforcement reported more than 4,500 drug-related crashes, according to ABC6 in Columbus. This disturbing number represents a 21% increase in these crashes since 2013. As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatalities in crashes where drugs were involved increased significantly from 2,003 in 1993 to 7,438 in 2015.
Recent truck overdosing accidents in the news
Tragically, the news has been filled with drug-related truck accidents in recent months. WCPO Cincinnati recently reported on a tractor trailer driver who reportedly overdosed while driving on Interstate 74. According to the report, the driver lost consciousness right before the truck jackknifed in the middle of the roadway. Other drivers pulled him from his cab and began performing CPR while waiting for emergency services. He was revived with Narcan, a substance used to revive people from opioid overdoses, and transported to the hospital. The driver was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence, failure to maintain control of his vehicle, and operation of a commercial motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance.
In July, another truck driver overdose occurred in Cleves. The driver of a fuel truck was found passed out and bleeding from the nose in a gas station bathroom. His truck was reportedly running, which suggested that he was planning to operate it on the roadway. Heroin and pain pills were reportedly found inside of the truck.
Impaired truck operators place drivers and passengers at increased risk of harm
Experienced Ohio truck accident lawyers know that tractor trailers create a risk on the highways, even when the driver operates the vehicle in a safe and proper manner. When the operator is impaired and under the influence of drugs, the risk of serious harm and death increases significantly. An overdose can cause a driver to pass out or experience convulsions—while driving a 60,000-lb vehicle at high speeds on a crowded roadway.
The attorneys of Crandall & Pera Law understand the severity of injuries associated with truck driver overdoses, and the financial burdens that often accompany them. To reserve a no-obligation consultation with an experienced Ohio truck accident lawyer, please call 877-686-8879 or fill out our contact form.