A DOT Physical Helps To Keep The Roads Safe To Travel

By Lawanda Burch


There are a lot of trucks on the roads today that transfer products and goods to stores and consumers in almost every country. Many places allow a Department of Transportation to oversee the trucking industry to make sure the vehicles and drivers are safe. People who wish to obtain a commercial drivers license, or CDL, to operate the big vehicles usually have to pass a DOT physical to get the license and to keep it. The physicals are designed to ensure that a vehicle operator does not have health issues that could affect their ability to control the truck and avoid hazardous conditions. The agencies are especially concerned that the drivers do not cause a problem if they suffer a heart attack or go into a diabetic shock.

One item that will be checked on a driver is their eyesight. A person has to see well in order to keep their vehicle on the road and avoid hazards. A truck operator should expect to have at least 20 over 40 visions in each eye. Those who eyes are weaker are often allowed to use glasses to correct their vision problems, but they will have to wear the glasses anytime they drive.

One of the first things that will be checked on a driver is their blood pressure. High blood pressure can create problems for a driver. They could end up losing their license or be denied to get a license.

A little higher than normal blood pressure reading will normally result in a obtaining certification for about a year. Those who have levels that are above this can expect to be tested again in a few months to see if their levels have gone done. High pressure levels will often result in the driver losing their license. A person can be retested once they get their pressure under control.

Blood sugar levels can also indicate potential health problems that could affect the ability of a driver to operate a large truck. High readings normally indicate that a person has become a diabetic. Diabetes is a disease which can sneak upon a person and cause a wide range of complications with the health of a person. Some diabetics have been known to become disorientated or unconscious while driving.

Operators who are diabetic present some concerns for Department of Transportation officials. An operator who is controlling their condition through the use of oral medications or exercise can usually still work. However, a person who needs to inject insulin to control blood sugars will often have to retire and find another job.

A driver will also be checked for heart disease. One should expect to have a stress test there are any signs their heart is not healthy. This does not mean they will not be able to drive anymore, but one might have to go on medication and be retested later.

The health of a driver is of great concern for agencies acting as caretakers for the highways. They will make an operator go through a DOT physical to check for certain conditions that could negatively affect a drivers ability to handle a tractor trailer. Failing the tests does not always mean that a driver cannot operate a vehicle anymore, but they will probably have to seek medical attention to correct any health concerns that are noticed during the examination.




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