Photo: Stock Image
Written By: Robert L. McCullough
As if driving on freeways and state highways isn’t precarious enough as drivers are forced to contend with those who act as though lane changing is a sport akin to dodge ball, the dangers posed by fleets of Kenworths and Peterbilts driven by professional operators who ignore precepts of safety, highway etiquette, and the law seem to be on the rise.
Evidence of that came with the January 10th arrest of 40-year-old Temecula resident Oscar Lopez pursuant to a traffic stop conducted by the Moorpark Police Department Traffic Unit. According to VCSD spokesman Deputy Tyler R. Galloway, it was mid-afternoon when the commercial tractor trailer “with a loaded trailer and vehicle weight of approximately 80,000 pounds” was pulled over for a traffic violation on State Route 118.
When the patrol unit deputy made contact with Lopez, he observed “outward signs and symptoms of recent drug use,” whereupon a field sobriety test and evaluation was conducted…which Lopez failed, showing “several signs of impairment.” Lopez was then detained and arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence.
An immediately ensuing search of Lopez’s truck was performed which turned up “several unsealed packages of marijuana” as well as multiple items of marijuana paraphernalia, all “within arm’s reach of the driver seat.” Lopez was transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was booked on a charge of DUI.
