A series of crashes unfolded Tuesday night on I-65 in Alabama, reportedly caused by a semi-truck driver accused of driving recklessly and while impaired. Authorities say the 18-wheeler struck multiple vehicles along the Tennessee River Bridge before eventually pulling over near mile marker 334, where the truck caught fire. At least one fatality has been linked to these events, though investigations are ongoing. The truck driver has since been arrested and potentially faces multiple felony charges, including murder, DUI, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Whenever I hear about crashes tied to an allegedly impaired truck driver, I can’t help but think beyond what happened on the roadway that day. In my experience, crashes like this often expose larger systemic failures. It’s important to ask how and why this driver was even operating a semi-truck in the first place.
Were There Lapses in Hiring, Screening, or Oversight That Allowed an Impaired Driver Behind the Wheel?
While early reports allege the truck driver was impaired at the time of the crash—an extremely serious issue on its own—it's important that investigators also examine how this individual came to be operating a commercial vehicle in the first place. In my experience, crashes like this don't just raise questions about the driver’s actions in the moment, but also about whether their employer had proper hiring and oversight protocols in place.
Investigators should determine whether the driver had a prior history of safety violations, drug or alcohol offenses, or other red flags that should have raised concerns. If this driver had a problematic record, it’s fair to ask why they were cleared to drive an 18-wheeler at all. Employers have a duty to ensure that only qualified, safe drivers are behind the wheel of commercial vehicles. That includes conducting thorough background checks, regular drug and alcohol screenings, and active supervision of driving behavior through programs like random testing and telematics monitoring.
When a crash of this magnitude happens and impairment is alleged, it’s not enough to simply focus on the driver. Investigators should explore whether there were failures higher up the chain of responsibility that may have contributed to this driver being in a position to cause harm.
What Evidence Could Clarify What Went Wrong?
A thorough investigation should gather evidence to fully understand how this incident happened. In addition to crash scene evidence like vehicle positions, skid marks, and onboard camera footage, attention should turn to the trucking company's internal records.
Reviewing driver qualification files, drug and alcohol testing results, hours-of-service logs, and any history of complaints or violations may provide critical insight into whether this crash was not only foreseeable, but avoidable. Additionally, Engine Control Module (ECM) data and telematics from the semi-truck may show the driver's speed, braking, and throttle use leading up to the series of collisions.
Why Getting the Full Picture Matters in Cases Like This
As someone who regularly deals with commercial vehicle crashes, I know that accidents involving impaired drivers can reveal greater issues than a single person’s actions. They often reflect failures at multiple levels, from the driver’s own poor choices to the company’s possible indifference or neglect in putting them behind the wheel.
Whether the issue here included missed warning signs during hiring, a lack of regular screening, or gaps in driver monitoring, those failures deserve scrutiny. Only through a comprehensive and objective investigation can the full truth come out and accountability be determined.