Operating an 80,000-pound commercial truck safely demands top physical and mental condition. Truck drivers are required to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam before beginning the job and must renew their medical certification regularly. Failure to meet certain requirements can make the driver and their employer liable if those health problems contribute to a truck accident in Indiana. An experienced Indianapolis truck accident lawyer can help victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
The DOT Medical Exam
To drive a commercial truck, a driver must first pass a thorough Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner. The purpose of this exam is to make sure the individual can operate a large commercial vehicle safely without putting themselves or others at risk.
A DOT physical is valid for up to 24 months; however, drivers with certain health issues may be required to renew their certification more often. After passing, a driver receives a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), which must stay current and be on file at all times. This exam covers the following categories:
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Vision Requirements
Drivers must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. They must be able to correctly distinguish the colors of traffic signals. Additionally, a minimum field of vision is required – at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye.
Has distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separately corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) or better with corrective lenses, distant binocular acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without corrective lenses, field of vision of at least 70° in the horizontal meridian in each eye, and the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices
Hearing Standards
Truck drivers are required to hear a forced whisper five feet away in at least one ear (with or without a hearing aid). Those who can’t meet this requirement can take and pass an audiometric test instead.
First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5—1951;
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure should be within normal range. Drivers who have hypertension may only qualify for a shorter, temporary certificate until their blood pressure is consistently managed.
Has no current clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure likely to interfere with his/her ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely;
Neurological Conditions
Applicants cannot have epilepsy or uncontrolled seizure disorders due to the risk of sudden incapacitation that endangers road safety.
Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial motor vehicle;
Diabetes
Insulin-treated diabetes isn’t disqualifying if the driver specifically meets Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) criteria and can prove their condition is under control.
Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently treated with insulin for control, unless the person meets the requirements in § 391.46;
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Anyone with an active diagnosis of alcoholism or drug abuse is ineligible for certification. Any serious mental health conditions must be stabilized. If the substance is used as prescribed, a medical professional must state that the substance use will not adversely affect the driver’s ability to drive safely.
Does not use any drug or substance identified in 21 CFR 1308.11 Schedule I, an amphetamine, a narcotic, or other habit-forming drug; or
(ii) Does not use any non-Schedule I drug or substance that is identified in the other Schedules in 21 CFR part 1308 except when the use is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner, as defined in § 382.107 of this chapter, who is familiar with the driver’s medical history and has advised the driver that the substance will not adversely affect the driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle; and
(13) Has no current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism.
Contact Vaughan & Vaughan Injury & Accident Attorneys Since 1913
This isn’t an exhaustive list of all the medical requirements truck drivers must meet, but it provides a good overview. If you have any questions or need help with a personal injury claim, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer at Vaughan & Vaughan Injury & Accident Attorneys to schedule a free consultation.
