A shocking incident unfolded this week in Thurston County, Washington, where a semi-truck driver was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). What’s more alarming is that his blood alcohol level was found to be over five times the legal limit allowed for commercial drivers.
Semi-Truck Driver Caught Driving Drunk on I-5
According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the incident took place near milepost 107 on Interstate 5. Other drivers had alerted authorities about a semi-truck moving dangerously and erratically on the road. Concerned for public safety, a WSP trooper quickly responded and pulled the truck over.
Blood Alcohol Level Shocks Officers
During the traffic stop, the officer noticed signs of impairment and carried out a preliminary breath test (PBT). The results were staggering—the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was .221, more than five times the legal limit for commercial vehicle drivers.
In Washington, the legal limit for operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is .04 BAC. For comparison, the regular legal limit for non-commercial drivers is .08 BAC. This driver had exceeded even that by a large margin, making the situation extremely dangerous.
Possession of Alcohol Inside the Vehicle
To make matters worse, WSP also confirmed that the driver had alcohol inside the truck—a serious violation for anyone operating a CMV. This raises more concerns about the driver’s overall responsibility and awareness of the law.
Risks of Drunk Driving in Commercial Vehicles
Driving under the influence is risky for anyone, but when it comes to truck drivers operating massive vehicles, the consequences can be devastating. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 40 tons, and even a slight misjudgment can cause major accidents. Drunk driving in such vehicles puts dozens of lives at risk, especially on busy highways like I-5.
Some dangers of drunk driving in commercial trucks include:
- Slower reaction times
- Poor judgment and decision-making
- Increased chance of crashing
- Higher risk of fatal accidents
Legal Consequences for the Driver
The semi-truck driver has now been formally charged with DUI and may face serious legal consequences, including:
- Suspension or loss of CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)
- Heavy fines
- Possible jail time
- Permanent mark on driving record
- Loss of employment
In many cases, DUI convictions for commercial drivers also result in being blacklisted from future driving jobs, as trucking companies often have strict hiring policies.
WSP Urges Public to Report Suspicious Driving
Thanks to the quick action of other drivers who reported the erratic driving, a potentially deadly situation was avoided. The Washington State Patrol has encouraged the public to continue reporting any suspicious or unsafe behavior on the roads.
WSP emphasized that such tips can help save lives and prevent major accidents, especially when commercial vehicles are involved.
