Delaware judge rules UPS driver can't claim workers' comp after beer-fueled crash

In June 2021, in Baltimore County, Maryland, Timothy Willis, a UPS driver, crashed his semi-truck into a guardrail while under the influence of alcohol. Reports indicated that Willis had been drinking and had consumed three beers prior to the crash. His blood alcohol content was measured at over twice the legal limit hours after the incident. Responding police officers observed Willis displaying clear signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol. Additionally, empty beer cans were found in and around the truck. At the time of the accident, Willis was returning to Delaware to drop off the semi-cab before going home to New Jersey. Routinely, he would pack a cooler of beers for his return trip from work, but in this instance, he began drinking earlier. Following the incident, the Delaware Industrial Accident Board initially awarded him workers' compensation, concluding that the crash occurred while he was working. However, this decision was contested. Delaware Superior Court Judge Kathleen Vavala ruled against the board's decision, stating that voluntary intoxication during work constitutes a deviation from the normal course of employment. The judge criticized the board for not considering the implications of Willis's drinking, emphasizing that truck drivers are expected to remain sober while operating heavy vehicles. Notably, she pointed out the dangerous precedent that might be set if compansation was awarded in such a case of clear intoxication. Ultimately, the court’s ruling serves as a significant reminder about workplace safety and the expectations of employees, especially those operating large vehicles. It demonstrated that adherence to company policies, such as the zero-tolerance alcohol policy of UPS, is critical for safety and legal standing. The judge's decision underscored the seriousness of driving under the influence, particularly in the context of operating commercial vehicles, which can pose a significant risk not only to the driver but also to the public at large.