FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA — A motorist who called 911 after watching a semi weave across Interstate 40 and then block an off-ramp forcibly removed the driver from the truck and took the keys before troopers arrived. Troopers found a highly intoxicated driver with a blood alcohol content of 0.301, nearly eight times the legal limit for commercial drivers.
Arizona Department of Public Safety dispatch received the call on November 5 about a semi-truck that could not hold its lane on I-40 near Flagstaff. Shortly after, the same caller reported the driver was blocking an off-ramp and was highly intoxicated. The caller removed the driver from the truck and took the keys.
Troopers saw signs of impairment and began field sobriety tests. A preliminary breath test showed a 0.301 BAC. “This was nearly four times the standard legal limit, and nearly eight times the legal limit while operating a commercial vehicle,” AZDPS said.
Troopers found alcohol inside the cab, a violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules. The driver was arrested for DUI. The semi and trailer were towed and placed on a 20-day impound because of the driver’s level of intoxication.
“DUI + CMV = JAIL + NO CDL,” AZDPS said. “Drinking and driving a regular passenger car is dangerous. Drinking and driving a commercial vehicle? Potentially deadly. If you see a vehicle driving dangerously, call 911 immediately so emergency services can respond appropriately. Truck safely and don’t drink and drive.”
AZDPS did not release the driver’s name.
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