Swift has driver arrested.

After consuming 8 beers, and sleeping 3 hours, suppose an emergency arose requiring that the Big truck be moved ASAP?
Who would drive it, ....... legally?

Whereas the laws may seem too strict and/or unfair, they are, none the less, on the books. A driver not being aware of such laws, well, ignorance is no excuse.

Also, if a driver were taking a 10 hour break, it would take awhile to down 8 beers, I would think. If that time, say 2 hours, is included in the 10 hour break, would they be sober enough to legally drive at the end of their break?

Bottom line ---- WhY take the chance?
Especially considering that their career and "life" are hanging in the balance.
It certainly doesn't demonstrate good judgment on the driver's part, IMO.
If he'd take that chance, what OTHER chances would he take?
Not to mention that the driver in question plead guilty (under duress) to a DUI to get out of jail, which probably WILL severely limit his ability to find another driving job. And I'm sure his DAC will reflect how it came about. As well it should.
That oughta go over big with another company, ya reckon?
Apparently the driver in question can't resist alcohol if they'd take such a chance while on the road. Perhaps he's a closet alcoholic and can't resist temptation?

Alcohol and Big trucks aren't a good mixture.
I noticed the driver in question mentioned that he figured someone thought it would be "funny" to report he was drinking adult beverages in the Big truck. Perhaps it was quite the opposite and someone DIDN'T think it was "funny". Maybe someone who lost a loved one to a drunk driver?

How would a person KNOW when a driver drinking adult beverages in their Big truck intended to drive again? He was given a field sobriety test after 3 hours of sleep, and FAILED! What does THAT tell y'all?

The driver in question also mentioned fooling around on the CB radio. I think we know the type, and can well imagine he also mentioned over the airwaves that he was consuming alcoholic beverages --- probably even invited a few drivers to join him. I'm sure that most of us have heard such conversations before. If not, you will --- sooner or later. Sad, but too true.

Naturally he blames EVERYone else for his new found problems and thinks HE did nothing wrong. The king of denial. That's a dangerous person, IMO.
IMO, the industry, as well as all the other drivers on the road, are better off without him to worry about behind the steering wheel of a Big truck. My guess is, he'll get popped again for a DUI after drowning his sorrows for being caught doing what he shouldn't have been doing in the first place, .......... again.

 

YeAH!
You're good to go alright.

 

I'm not so sure this should be under the BAD Trucking Company post. Since by Swift doing this may have saved a few lives and removed a drunk from the road when he drinks 12 next time and forgets to sleep it off

 

YuP!
I think MOST responsible folks would agree with that assessment.
Those who don't, well,......... consider the source.

The driver in question ruined his own career and possibly "life", but it's easier to blame others for his own stupidity. Until he can admit that and accept the blame, I fear he'll continue to be a danger to himself as well as others. What DID he expect? That others would just look the other way while he puts others in danger by his actions?

He DID plea guilty, albeit out of convenience --- or so he claims.
If he didn't feel he was guilty as charged, why plea guilty knowing what it would do to his driving career? Stupid is as stupid does.
If he had chosen to fight the charges, the charges MIGHT have been reduced. I think he unknowingly did the RIGHT thing. But I doubt he sees it that way.

Swift was picking on me.
Poor, poor innocent me.
Oh cruel world.
Me = good.
Swift = bad?

Like they say, .........
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

Two thumbs UP for whomever dropped a dime on that driver.

 

You may think there is a big difference. I do not.

What if something were to happen in the truck stop and there was a major event that required the vehicle to be moved while under the influence?

Can't happen?

What if the DOT or the Homeland Security comes knocking on doors like they did last year in Effingham, IL and you are found with Alcohol on the breath?

Did you know, after drinking at night and when a person wakes up, there is alcohol smell on their breath?

 

you beat me to it!

 

Here is the link to the story.
http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2007/Dec07/122407/122707-01.htm

Police searches at Illinois truck stop spark questions
For three weeks, John Herrmann has heard questions from truckers worried about whether they should park at his truck stop for the night.
Herrmann, general manager of Flying J truck stop in Effingham, IL, was working during the early morning hours of Nov. 30, when a detail of Effingham County-area law enforcement officers woke several drivers by saying “DEA” and asking to see the inside of their cabs.

See the link for the rest.

 

Well, its 0 tollerance if there is an accident where there is a fatality, that would get him 15 years for vehiclular homicide even if it wasen't his fault. There's actually quite a few truck drivers doing time that only drank 1 or 2 beers the night before , Swift actually did him a favor.

and........you won't find this in the drivers manuel, just call the local district attorney's office, they prosecute these cases.