Drunken Prom Chauffeur
Most limo companies have a no drug or alcohol policy when catering for proms. Sadly, the chauffer of limo, hired to take a group of Detroit teens celebrating their prom, was pulled over by police, in Lathrup Village, on suspicion of drunken driving.
According to Robert Jones, Lathrup Village's police chief, the driver was pulled over near 11 Mile and Southfield roads, where he failed a field sobriety test with a blood alcohol level more than two times the legal limit. One of the teens' parents suspecting the driver was drunk, called police and followed the limo until it was finally pulled over.
The limousine company said they regretted the incident and claimed that they regarded the safety of their passengers as a major concern. Although the employee was fired immediately, it raises the issue of what checks are done in US into a person’s background, before they can become a chauffer.
Earlier this year a fatal accident in Las Vegas resulted in the death of a passenger. The limo had mechanical problems and had stalled. According to reports the limo driver while in reverse tried to guide the car to the shoulder and collided with a Ford 350 truck, which then caused the limo to veer into another lane in the path of a Nissan Altima who struck the limo in the left rear. The limo driver was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter according to police.
When you hire a limo you are literally putting your safety in the hands of stranger! As the driver, your chauffer is responsible for passenger safety. But before you start worrying about the ‘sobriety’ of your designated driver, here are some facts. The modern day UK chauffeur has to posses a valid driving licence, hold a PCO licence; which means passing a medical examination and clear Police security checks. These are the minimum requirements for a chauffeur position. At HireLimos we go the extra mile to ensure that your chauffeur is polite, courteous and punctual, and above all is someone trustworthy.
