Effective January 1, 2020, the FMCSA has doubled its requirement for random drug testing rate for commercial motor vehicle drivers. The percentages go up from 25% to 50% for drug testing which reverses the reduction that was implemented in January of 2016 that occurred due to a declining positive rate that was less than 1% in 2013 and 2014.
Waiting periods or defined time frames that a driver must wait following a health related event (like a heart attack) regardless of any treating provider’s opinion. The time frames are based on research statistics relating to necessary recovery times following the event (or treatment such as surgery) that ensure that the driver is safe to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and for truck drivers, who spend hours sitting behind the wheel, inactivity and lack of exercise can create a much greater risk for heart disease and problems. It should not simply be viewed as a concern for passing your DOT physical, but more importantly, as a major health issue, one that can lead to a much shorter life.
Eating a healthy diet on the road can be a challenge for drivers. Truck Stops are full of easily accessible junk foods and convenient fast food options. Truckers are stressed and on tight schedules to deliver their loads on time. When you’re stressed and strapped for time, it’s easy to find yourself grabbing something not so healthy, out of convenience.
Commercial drivers face multiple obstacles to obtaining sufficient quality sleep including long work hours, suboptimal sleeping environments and irregular sleep schedules. What can you do to stay safe on the road? ….
Marijuana use is becoming quite a hot topic across the nation. It’s discussed both from a medicinal sense as well as relating to recreational use. The use of CBD oil often confuses this topic even more. Is it legal? Can it cause some of the effects of marijuana? Can it be detected in a drug screen? All are common questions that pop up not only within the general public, but also among truck drivers.
Driver health and wellness has become one of the major concerns that is effecting the trucking industry. It goes beyond simply effecting the driver and their medical exam. It leads to significant issues relating to such things as driver availability, motor carrier profitability. And most importantly it effects the driver’s ability to earn an income if they are unable to get into the cab.
It’s that time of year again – flu and cold season! The flu is rapidly spreading across the United States and is peaking in most states. For drivers, prevention is key considering calling-in to work isn’t exactly an option for most truck drivers; and medications that help treat cold and flu symptoms are often not meant to be taken while driving.
On November 19th, 2018, the Federal Insulin Use Exemption Program was ended, and the Insulin Use Standard was changed. In place of the Federal Exemption, the new standard will now allow CME’s to certify drivers who use insulin. To accomplish this, a new Insulin Treated Diabetes (ITDM) form (MCSA-5870) will need to be sent to the driver’s diabetes treating provider (doctor) by the CME. The treating provider will have to fill out the form and signify that the driver is safe to drive. Then the CME would be able to certify the driver.