If you know anyone who is a truck driver, you may be aware that they need to have a medical examination every two years. Drivers spend much of their time behind the wheel in a seated position, which can put them at a higher risk of certain medical conditions, like deep-vein thrombosis.
A truck driver medical exam provides information about the driver’s ability to drive safely. These exams should be taken on time because having healthier drivers on the road is safer for everyone.
Who completes the medical examination for people with commercial licenses?
Commercial vehicle driver medical examinations have to be performed by medical examiners who have been approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They are listed as certified on the FMCSA’s national registry. Those doctors know exactly what to look for based on the conditions that occur commonly among truck drivers.
The exam may cover topics like mental health, heart health, lung function, sleep disorders, and more.
What happens if a driver does not pass the medical exam?
If the driver doesn’t pass the medical exam, they may lose their qualification to drive. Additionally, drivers who do not pass the exam on time will be prohibited from driving until they can recertify.
Drivers are allowed to get a second opinion from another certified medical professional, but until they recertify, they should not be behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle.
What should you do if you’re hit by a driver who failed their exam?
No driver who fails their medical examination should be behind the wheel as this increases the risk of a truck accident. Similarly, if they fail to get their exam on time, they should not be driving because their health condition hasn’t been verified.
If you are hurt or involved in a crash because of a driver who has a medical emergency or who wasn’t supposed to be on the road, then it is well within your rights to look into making a claim. Commercial drivers are expected to complete this examination for the safety of themselves and those around them, so failing to do so is a serious offense.
