Driver shut down after crashing tanker while drinking

Updated May 23, 2013

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has ordered truck driver Bobby Cleveland — who’s licensed in the state of New Mexico — to cease any operation of a commercial motor vehicle after he was found to be under the influence of “an intoxicating beverage” during an accident in which he was hauling 2,400 gallons of propane in a tanker.

While driving intoxicated, Cleveland’s rig overturned and spilled the propane in McKinley County, N.M., resulting in a temporary closure of Interstate 40. The New Mexico Highway Patrol charges Cleveland with operating under the influence. “We are committed to taking unsafe truck drivers who endager the public off our nation’s roads,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

It is, obviously, against federal regulations to drive a truck under the influence of alcohol, FMCSA said it in its announcement. Cleveland’s imminent hazard out-of-service order is based on these regulations.

“It is unacceptable for a bus or trucking company, or any of its drivers, to disregard the law and put the safety of every traveler at risk,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro.

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