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Walking near or driving around a garbage truck is already intimidating. However, things get even more intense when the driver is intoxicated. A New York worker recently caused an accident while operating a city truck under the influence. 

New York worker arrested for operating a garbage truck while drunk

The trash collection didn’t exactly go smoothly in Schenectady, New York this week. The Schenectady Police Department responded to an accident after a garbage truck backed into an employee, loading trash in the rear compartment. 

The worker was pinned between a vehicle and a pole. As a result, he was taken to the Albany Medical Center to undergo surgery for his injury. 

According to Shore News Network, police discovered that the truck driver, a Department of Public Works employee, was operating under the influence. 

51-year-old Robert L. Thomas was drunk when the incident occurred at 8:06 am on the 600 block of Orchard Street in the Mont Pleasant neighborhood 

He was charged for driving intoxicated with a blood alcohol content over the 0.08 legal limit, a general offense, and backing unsafely. 

The city quickly took action by firing Thomas. He has been released on the appearance of tickets. Police officers are still investigating the incident and the name of the injured worker hasn’t been released. 

A loaded garbage truck weighs between 40,000 to 60,000 lbs. So, they have plenty of force while moving. These trucks often damage roads while operating and can easily crush pedestrians and cars. 

On top of the dangerous size and weight, garbage trucks have large blind spots and drivers are under pressure to maintain a tight schedule. As they navigate tight residential roads, the risk of accidents involving pedestrians and smaller cars increases. 

The victim could have sustained severe injuries, but his condition is currently unknown. Hopefully, he will make a full recovery.