To assess whether a driver is fit to properly operate a commercial vehicle of that size on the highways, they must pass a basic physical. The Department of Transportation (DOT) won't just give anyone a CDL, after all.
You may be wondering why a physical is required to operate a truck if you are someone who generally maintains good health. So that brings up some pertinent queries. What conditions must one meet to get a DOT physical?
DOT mandates the DOT physical for any CMV occupation that may have an impact on an employee's or the general public's safety, and it adheres to FMCSA regulations. A DOT physical is a crucial component of workplace safety for anyone operating a CMV, including truck drivers.
No matter what your profession is, maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall well-being should always be a top priority. However, if you drive a truck or otherwise require a commercial driver's license, you should be aware that if your blood pressure goes above certain thresholds, your job may be in jeopardy.
As you already know, you need to meet the DOT blood pressure requirements and pass a physical in order to get your CDL (there are few exceptions, but employers frequently demand it even if it's not required by law). You must also keep your medical certificate current.
The DOT has determined that having high blood pressure affects drivers' health significantly. Risk factors for serious health issues like heart attack and stroke include high blood pressure.
If you have been given a hypertension diagnosis, you will need to follow some additional guidelines in order to obtain or keep your CDL. These could delay or possibly end your career.
A driver who has a blood pressure reading of less than 140/90 may receive a two-year medical permit to drive.
A driver with stage 1 hypertension with blood pressure readings between 140 and 159 systolic and/or 90 to 99 diastolic may receive a one-year medical certification to drive. Exams for certification should be taken every year after that and should be at or below 140/90.
A driver who has stage 2 hypertension with a blood pressure range of 160–179 systolic and/or 100–109 diastolic is a candidate for antihypertensive medication therapy.
A one-time certification of three months is offered to the motorist to get their blood pressure down to 140/90 or less. The driver may be recertified for a year from the date of the original exam as long as the treatment is well tolerated and their blood pressure is 140/90 or less. The driver is recertified every year after that.
A driver who has stage 3 hypertension with a blood pressure reading of at least 180 systolic and/or 110 diastolic is disqualified. The driver might not be allowed to operate a vehicle, even temporarily, until their blood pressure was brought down to 140/90 or below and their treatment was well-tolerated.
Federal laws mandate that drivers of commercial vehicles with GVWRs greater than 10,000 pounds operating on interstates obtain a medical examiner's certificate every two years.
Additionally, you must keep a current physical on file if you transport hazardous products or drive a vehicle that can hold more than 15 passengers (8 if you are being paid).
In order to ensure that drivers do not have any conditions that could prevent them from safely performing their jobs and making the roadways unsafe for everyone, DOT medical card requirements and physicals were put in place. Some situations might appear suddenly, and if drivers are unaware of them, they could endanger both themselves and other road users.
The following is covered by a DOT physical:
The medical examiner will first perform a physical examination on you, paying particular attention to your lungs, back, flexibility (including your ability to bend and twist), blood pressure, breathing, arthritis, and general well-being. There is a need for carrying out fundamental responsibilities, although the work is not extremely physically demanding.
Drivers who are missing limbs, fingers, or toes may still be eligible if their home state grants an exception. They will have to always have it on them.
Drivers must have a vision that is at least 20/40. With or without corrective lenses, this is possible. Your ability to discriminate between colors like red, green, and amber will also be put to the test, as well as your peripheral vision.
With or without a hearing aid, drivers must be able to distinguish what is described as a "forced whisper" from a distance of more than 5 feet.
This test is mostly used to find hidden health problems like diabetes. When applying for a driving job, drug testing is still required as part of the pre-employment process, even if it is typically excluded from DOT physicals.
Although many of them require patience, there are various strategies to lower your blood pressure so that you can pass the DOT physical.
Self-diagnosis or self-management of high blood pressure are not recommended. Instead, it's critical to consult a medical expert and heed their recommendations.
You may lower your blood pressure and lead a better, more productive life as a truck driver with only a few minor lifestyle changes.
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