Rehoboth Tractor-Trailer Driver Facing DUI Charges

A Rehoboth tractor-trailer driver is facing DUI charges after being stopped by Rhode Island State Police on I-95 South late Thursday night.

According to police, Matthew W. Gallagher, 36, was swerving and driving erratically on I-95 South in West Greenwich around 11:30 p.m. Following several 911 calls, troopers saw Gallagher cross several lanes, nearly hitting several other vehicles before they were able to stop him near Weaver Hill Road.

“This arrest is very concerning to us, given the risks posed by any tractor-trailer truck being driven in an erratic and unsafe manner,” RISP Colonel James Manni said. “Fortunately, most truck drivers operate in a responsible manner. However, we want to make it clear that we will not tolerate anyone operating any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs – especially those operating commercial vehicles, which present a tremendous risk to other motorists given the size and weight of those vehicles.”

Gallagher is a driver for Gordon Food Service. His truck was towed and he was held overnight in the state police barracks in Hope Valley. He faces charges of driving under the influence, refusal to submit to a chemical test, road violations and not wearing a seat belt.

Compared to other drivers, commercial drivers are held to a much higher standard. Commercial driver licenses, or CDLs, require extensive written and practical exams for the increased skill needed to driver tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles. According to Col. Manni, violations on the road, especially DUIs, are more strict, with the acceptable blood-alcohol content level at 0.04, half of the 0.08 threshold for other drivers. If convicted of refusing to take a chemical test, CDL drivers lose their license for one year following the first offense.

Manni applauded the drivers who called 911 after seeing Gallagher's unsafe driving.

“We all need to work together to keep our roadways safe,” he said.