DOT panel targeting truck drivers who suffer strokes
Nov 16, 2010 3:50 PM
Truck drivers would have a tougher time returning to work following a stroke if a Department of Transportation expert panel gets its way. In fact, many drivers could find themselves barred from ever returning to driving a truck.
Commercial truck drivers who suffer a stroke should have to wait at least a year and would have to successfully pass a driving test and a series of health assessments before being allowed to go back to work driving a commercial vehicle, according to the panel. The panel also called for annual checkups on health and driving records for continued driving after a stroke.
Current guidelines for commercial drivers were first adopted in 1988 and suggest that truck drivers should stay off the road for at least one year and should only be allowed to return to work if they pass psychological tests.
Trucking industry officials say the expert panel recommendation would create a much higher hurdle to overcome in getting truck drivers back to their driving jobs. Recovery and rehabilitation costs also are likely to rise for truck fleets.
Acceptable Use Policy blog comments powered by Disqus
