Physicals for Truck Drivers
Ever wonder what someone must go through in order to become a truck driver? How they are able to maneuver such a large vehicle with precision without causing a truck accident? How can they possibly stay in a small cab, seated for hours upon hours and not be in excruciating pain? In order to answer any of the above questions, you must realize that physicals are an important part of receiving a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). In order to avoid truck accidents, the Department of Transportation requires individuals to take, pass and prove, with a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, that they are able to safely drive a commercial vehicle. The physical requirements from the US Department of Transportation are clear and concise in order to avoid accidents.
Eye sight must be at 20/40 and include glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision if needed. Using needle injections for insulin is not allowed but taking the medication through food or orally is allowed. Blood pressure qualifies you for different types of certificates: 140-159 over 90-99 is good for one year; 160-179 over 100-109 is good for a 3 month temporary certificate and is up to the medical examiner’s discretion; 180 over 110 disqualifies you from a certificate all together. For blood pressure to be regulated properly, prescription medication is allowed. Blood sugar level has to be under 200. Regardless of your medication reason, it has to be reported and acknowledged as okay from your local Department of Transportation office.
Lastly, stress tests for any type of cardiac issue must have been done within the last 12 months, and a release from a physician must be provided in order to drive without restrictions. There are some other things that keep you from getting clearance which include: sleep apnea, recent back injury, recent major surgery, current hernia or any other workmen’s compensation claims. Random drug screens can also be done to check for illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamins, opiates and phencyclidine (PCP).
All these precautions are in place to make sure there are minimal truck accidents on the road. If you have been part of a truck accident, contact an accident attorney in the Texas area today to see if your case can be compensated.
