Is Mandatory Alcohol Testing in Truckers the Answer?
A study done by researchers at the Mailman School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that compulsory alcohol testing of truck drivers does have a significant impact on fatal heavy truck crashes.
According to the study, when drivers of heavy trucks and buses were required to be tested for alcohol, there was a 23% reduced risk of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes. While only 3% of deadly semi-truck crashes are caused by a drunk truck driver, experts believe that any reduction in crash risk is significant.
Controversy Surrounding Mandatory Testing
Some are concerned that the testing is unnecessary and unethical. While many believe that this study proves that testing reduces alcohol related crashes among truck drivers, others disagree.
"This policy remains a controversial one, because of legal and ethical concerns and little empirical data about its safety benefit," stated Guohua Li, MD DrPH, a senior author of the study. "Our study provides compelling evidence that implementation of the mandatory alcohol testing programs has significantly reduced alcohol involvement in fatal motor carrier crashes."
In addition, study authors found that the reduction was seen in both sexes, across all age groups and in both day and nighttime driving.
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Truck Accident?
If you've been injured in a truck accident you need to speak with an experienced truck accident injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.
As Bedford, TX crash lawyers who see the impact of an 18 wheeler accident in Grapevine, Bedford, and surrounding areas on a daily basis, we cheer any measure that reduces the number of people killed during crashes with semi-trucks.
We represent clients throughout the great state of Texas including Irving, Grapevine, Arlington, Colleyville, North Richland, Bedford, Hurst, Euless and all points in between. Contact us online or call us directly at 817.830.4888 for your free consultation.
