Truck driver in Oregon crash that killed seven arrested on suspicion of drunk driving

[marmar]

(Guardian UK) A semi-truck driver who slammed into a passenger van in western Oregon and killed seven people on Thursday in one of the state’s deadliest crashes in recent years has been arrested on suspicion of being drunk behind the wheel, police said.

Investigators on Friday arrested Lincoln Clayton Smith, 52, of North Highlands, California, on counts of driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, manslaughter and assault.

Eleven people were in the van when Smith hit it on Interstate 5 north of Albany, Oregon, authorities said. Six people died at the scene, one more died after being airlifted to a hospital and four were injured, according to Oregon state police.

State police said the names of the victims would not be made public until their families have been notified. Authorities have not released information about the condition of the four injured passengers.

Smith was arraigned on Friday afternoon and was being detained without bail in a local jail. ..............(more)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/20/oregon-truck-driver-crash-seven-killed-dui

[brewens]

1. You can get a DUI driving a truck from still being drunk in the morning after being out

too late. I believe the limit is .04% for commercial drivers.

[Sneederbunk]

2. This case involves controlled substances.

[MagickMuffin]

3. Pics of the van are awful

Attorneys say Smith admitted in court to using speed the day before the crash. Investigators say they found multiple containers of inhalants inside the truck, and a container of meth on Smith at the scene.

Google has made it near impossible to post pics anymore. There are several out there but can’t find a way to post from an iPad.

[dalton99a]

4. Kick

Attorneys say Smith admitted in court to using speed the day before the crash. Investigators say they found multiple containers of inhalants inside the truck, and a container of meth on Smith at the scene.

Witnesses say they saw Smith weaving in and out of the shoulder before the crash.

According to the state, Smith has a criminal history in California since the late ‘80s, including charges of burglary and possession of a controlled substance.

https://www.koin.com/news/crime/osp-driver-arrested-with-a-dui-after-multi-car-crash-on-i-5-that-killed-7/

[barbaraann]

5. He has quite a record.

Smith has a record of 17 arrests and nine past convictions, prosecutors said. He was ordered to be held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 30.
https://ktvz.com/cnn-regional/2023/05/20/semi-driver-in-court-for-duii-manslaughter-charges-after-deadly-i-5-crash-near-albany/

I do not understand how he could still get a CDL.

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

6. smashed the van into a Target truck, i bet lawyers try to go after Target's deep pockets