FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA — A commercial driver was arrested for DUI after rolling over a car hauler on Interstate 40 east of Flagstaff in the early morning hours of October 18, causing about $500,000 in damage to 12 separate victims. He told troopers the truck had “slipped” even though the weather was clear.
Arizona Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol troopers responded to the rollover and saw multiple signs of impairment when they contacted the driver. A field sobriety test was stopped when he could not follow instructions. A breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.168, more than twice the legal limit for most drivers and well above the stricter limit for commercial drivers.
The driver told troopers it was the second time he had crashed a commercial vehicle while intoxicated. Despite the clear, dry conditions, he claimed the truck had “slipped.”
The rollover damaged all nine vehicles being hauled and destroyed more than 200 feet of ADOT guardrail. The driver was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on DUI charges, with felony criminal damage charges also submitted.
“When the ‘slippery road’ excuse meets a dry highway… things tend to roll over,” AZDPS said.
AZDPS used the case to warn commercial drivers. “Driving impaired is never worth the risk. Commercial drivers are responsible for thousands of pounds of equipment, valuable cargo, and the lives of everyone sharing the roadway. If you’ve been drinking, don’t drive. Plan ahead, use a designated driver, call a ride, or stay where you are. One bad decision can cause devastating consequences and change lives forever.”
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