Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, May 5, 2021: FMCSA medical board discussing driver vision qualifications at May meeting The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Medical Review . The review board noted it does not have sufficient data to establish a specific waiting period for an individual who has a new vision deficiency. Both the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccines will be offered. The changes will allow individuals who do not satisfy requirements with the worse eye, either distant visual acuity standard or field of vision standard, to be considered physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce under specific conditions. The alternate diabetes certification process has been working well, according to FMCSA officials. Posted December 7, 2021. Each state has its own CDL medical exam requirements. We also have competitive rates, and we understand your budget and operating costs as a driver and/or company. FMCSA-2019-0049 Dear Sir/ Madam: 86 Fed. United States, Email:jon.mueller@dot.gov Anyone currently exempted will no longer need to apply with FMCSA and can now be approved through their own vision specialist and certified medical examiner.. If a truck driver has three or more years experience driving within a state or expected interstate CMV [commercial vehicle] driving experience with the vision deficiency, the driver may not need to take the road test if they have a valid federal vision exemption or a medical certification. Listen to the latest and subscribe! The MRB supported Concentras recommendation and incorporated it in its review of the proposed rule which it submitted to the agency in July. Delaware CDL applicants can learn more about the application process through the Delaware Motor Vehicle Department. The alternative vision standard, if finalized, would involve a two-step process for physical qualification and eliminate a requirement that dates to 1998 that requires monocular drivers to seek the exemption, a process that can take months to complete. This translates to an alarming 7,500 individuals succumbing to unsafe and unhealthy workplace conditions every single day. Our Licensing Specialists can help with all aspects of filing and renewing licenses, fuel taxes, etc. Learn more! googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); Hear an interview with him about "A Trucker's Tale" and more via the following 2020 edition of the Overdrive Radio podcast. A medical examiner would perform an examination and determine whether the individual meets the proposed vision standard along with FMCSAs physical qualification standards. Drivers may require a road test under the alternative vision standard, Data shows drivers have high rates of workplace injuries and illnesses. FMCSA postpones effective date on rule changing rulemaking procedures that was slated to take effect March 1. googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); Secure .gov websites use HTTPS For more flexibility, we offermobile DOT physicals to companies that qualify. National EV Infrastructure Standards: What About Trucking? Have in the better eye distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen), with or without corrective lenses, and field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian; be able to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber; have had sufficient time to adapt to and compensate for the change in vision. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) five-member Medical Review Board approved a proposal to eliminate the current exemption process for commercial motor vehicle drivers with monocular vision. Crash study shouldnt repeat past mistakes, OOIDA says, Infrastructure needs up to states, FHWA memo says, Trucker asks FMCSA for 5/5 sleeper berth option, Getting it from both sides rates down, costs up, Warming up the spotlight for broker transparency issue. In addition to the field-of-vision requirement, the alternative standard requires that drivers have at least 20/40 vision in their better eye, be able to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green and amber, and have a vision deficiency that is stable. Registration will be available here in the coming days. It included provisions aimed at allowing those with vision loss in one eye who meet the new standard to be deemed qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) without having to apply to the FMCSA for an exemption. The amendment would permit an individual who cannot meet either the current distant visual acuity or field of vision standard or both, in one eye to be physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce under specified conditions. FMCSA Passes New Plan for Drivers with Monocular Vision January 24, 2022 Luke Kibby FMCSA's final rule was published in the Federal Register on Friday, Jan. 21. to eliminate the exemption process for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers with monocular vision. As the FMCSA prepares to conduct its latest large truck crash study, OOIDA asked the agency to learn from its past mistakes. Under the current exemption program, drivers with a vision deficiency in one eye are required to have three years of driving experience with the vision deficiency within a state. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; That is corrected with proper eyeglass WEAR. There is also considerable medical literature indicating that individuals with vision loss in one eye can and do develop compensatory viewing behavior to mitigate their vision loss., FMCSA received 69 comments on the proposed rule, with 45 in support of the changes. A confirmation welcome email has been sent to your email address from ComplianceNetwork@t.jjkellercompliancenetwork.com. Comments can be made, here. A driver with monocular vision and a field of horizontal vision that meets the 70 degree minimum has a markedly decreased field of vision. If a driver uses the alternative vision standard to receive their medical certification for the first time, the carrier must administer a road test as required in 391.44(d)(1). Motor carriers would administer the road tests. In January, the agency published a proposed rule to amend its regulations to permit drivers who cannot meet either the current distant visual acuity or field of vision standard, or both, in one eye to still be physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. We are a team of DOT Compliance and Licensing Professionals helping trucking and transportation companies remain safe, compliant, and profitable. According toProMiles Fuel Surcharge Index, the most expensive diesel can be found in California at $3.873 per gallon, and the cheapest can be found in the Gulf Coast region at $2.894 per gallon. Provisions of the vision exemption include an annual medical exam and an eye exam by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. These two segments ensure exam results and two separate . Medical cards are subject to periodic review. The first priority for every truck driver is that they can see well enough to handle any emergencies that may occur. 2023 BLRBusiness and Learning Resources 5511 Virginia Way, Suite 150, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027 800-727-5257 All rights reserved. Our DOT Driver Services help trucking companies and carriers to stay compliant as they grow and hire more drivers. Currently, these drivers are prohibited from operating in interstate commerce without an exemption from FMCSA. Drivers who have 3 years of intrastate or excepted interstate CMV driving experience with a vision deficiency, hold a valid federal vision exemption, or are grandfathered under 49 CFR 391.64 for participation in a vision waiver study program would be exempt from the road test requirement. According to the Department of Energys weekly update, the nations average fuel price for the week ending May 3 was $3.142 per gallon, a 1.8-cent increase over the previous week. Our DOT Compliance division is handled by Compliance Navigation Specialists, CNS Insurance handles Commercial Truck Insurance, CDL training is managed by the CNS Driver Training Center and healthcare is managed by CNS Occupational Medicine. Copyright 2023 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011. googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has released a report from its medical review board on plans to tighten federal driver vision standards, but at the same time streamline the process to get qualified monocular drivers on the road quicker. An alternative vision standard would involve a two-step process for physical qualification. The new plan would be similar to one put into effect in 2019 that removed the agencys requirement that insulin-dependent diabetic drivers wait up to six months to obtain an exemption to get behind the wheel. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS googletag.cmd.push(function() { The following FMCSA rules and notices are linked to the Federal Register website. The rule grandfathers provision for drivers currently operating under the vision waiver study program. This is just another push to end the trucking business. ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. The current standard, which has been in place since 1970, requires drivers to have at least 20/40 vision in both eyes. This eBook covers: Record keeping best practices and exemptions Recordable injuries and illnesses vs. reportable injuries and illnesses When and how to report events OSHA Form 300, OSHA Form 300 A, and [], The Complex World of Flame-Resistant Apparel Flame-resistant (FR) apparel is crucial for workers in a variety of industries. Carriers must also verify that the proper documents are given to the driver and placed in the DQ file. DOT this week published its annual rulemaking increasing fines for violations of federal trucking regulations for inflation, which also implemented the authority to assess fines for. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. A distant binocular acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without. Your email address will not be published. FMCSAs final rule was published in the Federal Register on Friday, Jan. 21. to eliminate the exemption process for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers with monocular vision. Clinic dates and times are Monday, May 10, from 2-4 p.m.; and Thursday, May 13, through Sunday, May 16, from 5-8 p.m. each day. Add a photo of your rig to our Reader Rigs collection to share it with your peers and the world. To qualify under the alternative vision standard based on the vision in the better eye, drivers can follow the process detailed in 391.44. Specific automatic medically disqualified conditions can be found under 49 CFR Part 391.41. You will use your email address and this password to access the Compliance Network in the future. You may filter between Rules and Notices using the Document Type dropdown. During the most recent week, prices increased in all regions across the U.S. except California, where prices fell by three-tenths of a cent. You've reached your limit of free access, if you'd like more info, please contact us at 800-327-6868. googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); We are efficient in scheduling appointments and respect your time, preventing you from having long wait times in crowded waiting rooms. Drivers who apply for a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) need to pass the sight standards established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). An official website of the United States government Here's how you know. Our DOT Licensing Services will cover you whether you are an existing company or just starting a trucking company. The federal government has been granting waivers for drivers with vision in only one eye since 1998. Washington, DC 20590 Listen to today's daily briefing belowor go here for more info: 80 M Street SE, Suite 800, Washington, D.C., 20003, In January, the agency published a proposed rule, proposed plan to eliminate the exemption process, requirement that insulin-dependent diabetic drivers, FMCSA Extends COVID Emergency Declaration to Aug. 31, Werner Exempt From New Driver Training Requirement, FMCSA Drops Two CDL Streamlining Proposals, Congressional Transportation Republicans Welcome New FHWA Memo | Transport Topics, Perspective: Knowing Cargo Theft Risks | Transport Topics, ATAs Bob Costello Presents Mixed Picture on Economy | Transport Topics, Big G Express Acquires RTR Transportation | Transport Topics, Phillips Industries Announces Plans to Move Manufacturing to Mexico in 2023 | Transport Topics, 2023 Transport Topics | All Rights Reserved. Learn more about these changes and how they will improve highway safety. Reg. Do your employees know how to handle hazardous materials safely? This proposal is open for comment until March 15, 2021. The drivers vision should not be getting worse. Go to: Driver Exemption Programs | FMCSA (dot.gov)E-mail: fmcsamedical@dot.govCall: (202) 366-4001. FMCSA has said one of the rebuttals to many of the concerns the agency has heard is that there have not been any significant problems with monocular drivers in the last 30-plus years. : driver exemption Programs | FMCSA ( dot.gov ) E-mail: fmcsamedical @ dot.govCall (! Competitive rates, and profitable || { cmd: [ ] } that! Helping trucking and transportation companies remain safe, compliant, and we understand your budget and operating costs a! A medical examiner would perform an examination and determine whether the individual meets the proposed vision standard would a! Well, according to FMCSA officials Compliance and Licensing Professionals helping trucking and transportation companies remain,... 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