Sharing the road with commercial trucks can feel stressful enough – these vehicles can weigh 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Because of their size, they can’t stop quickly, and even small mistakes on the highway can turn disastrous. That danger gets magnified if a trucker is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you were injured in a crash caused by an impaired trucker, contact an experienced Indianapolis truck accident lawyer at Vaughan & Vaughan to protect your rights and start building your case. Being able to recognize possible signs of impairment and knowing how to respond can help keep you, your passengers, and other drivers safer.
Warning Signs a Trucker May Be Impaired
When you share the road with large trucks, it helps to know what danger signs to watch for. Impaired or distracted truck drivers can put people at risk. Here are some warnings that a trucker may be under the influence.
Weaving, Drifting, and Trouble Staying in the Lane
If you see a truck wandering between lanes, drifting toward the shoulder, or making overly wide right turns, these can be signs the driver’s attention isn’t fully on the road, possibly due to being under the influence. Sudden shifts in movement or repeated corrections should make you extra alert.
Odd Speeds and Delayed Reactions
A truck that speeds up and slows down without clear reason, or one that starts to brake late, could be driven by someone whose judgment is off. Inconsistent speed, especially in steady traffic or on long highway stretches, isn’t typical for experienced professional drivers.
Crossing the Center Line and Rumble Strips
A truck crossing over the centerline or hitting rumble strips – those raised grooves meant to alert drivers – is never a good sign. Veering across lanes shows the driver may be impaired.
Getting Too Close to People or Objects
Nearly striking cones, barriers, guardrails, or parked vehicles can mean the driver is having trouble maintaining control of their vehicle, which could be a result of driving under the influence.
Driver Behavior at Stops
If you ever speak to or observe a truck driver out of the cab and you notice slurred speech, trouble walking straight, or the smell of alcohol – and especially if there are open containers around that you’re able to see – the driver may be under the influence.
Paying attention to these behaviors can make a difference, both for your own safety and for others around you.
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Steps To Take if You Think The Driver is Under The Influence
If you are on the road and suspect a truck driver is under the influence, taking the right steps can help you stay safe and allow law enforcement to reach and stop a dangerous situation before it gets worse. Here’s what to do if you believe a driver may be impaired:
Increase Following Distance
Put extra space between your vehicle and theirs. Staying back gives you time to react if they swerve, stop suddenly, or drift between lanes.
Avoid Blind Spots
Try not to travel directly beside or behind the vehicle. Large trucks have particularly large blind spots that can be difficult to deal with for a sober driver. When the driver is under the influence, this becomes even more dangerous and increases the risk of an accident.
Pay Attention to Details
Note everything you can. Look for the vehicle’s exact location. Which direction are they headed and what lane are they in? Notice if there’s a mile marker or exit number nearby, or any highway signs that can help. Also take note of their trailer plate, DOT or MC number, and the company logo or name if you’re able to.
Capture Evidence Safely
If you’re a passenger – or if there is a passenger in your car – take photos of what’s going on with the truck and try to get video or photographic evidence of their license plate and any identifying signs on their truck.
Don’t Engage
This is not the time for confrontation or signals. Avoid the urge to speed past them, block them in, tap your brakes aggressively, or follow them off the next exit. This can make things more dangerous for everyone.
Call 911 As Soon As It’s Safe
As soon as it’s safe to do so, dial 911. Tell the dispatcher everything you noted – the location, direction, details about the vehicle, and plate or company information if it’s a commercial truck. These facts improve the odds for officers to locate, identify, and intervene.
Contact Vaughan & Vaughan For Your Truck Accident
Truck drivers need to engage in safe driving at all times, and this means avoiding substances when they’re driving. Acting quickly and calmly if you suspect a dangerous situation is the best way to protect yourself and others.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash caused by an impaired or negligent truck driver, contact Vaughan & Vaughan today to schedule a free consultation. Our Indianapolis personal injury lawyers can investigate the crash, gather the evidence needed to prove fault, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
