Many Truckers Driving with Health Risks, GAO Reports

Despite suffering from medical condition serious enough to qualify them for full federal disability benefits, many active U.S. commercial drivers license (CDL) holders continue to drive trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

In Certification Process for Drivers with Serious Medical Conditions (.pdf), GAO found that about 563,000 CDL holders in 12 selected states were sick enough to qualify for disability payments. In addition, noted GAO, many of these drivers were issued their CDL after their medical conditions had been diagnosed.

Among other examples, GAO cites the case of a Minnesota bus driver who receives disability benefits due to epilepsy, and also suffers from headaches, sleep apnea, asthma, and high blood pressure. The doctor, however, certified the driver on the agreement that, if he felt “loopy,” he would not drive the bus.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces regulations requiring doctors to certify that commercial drivers are medically fit to operate their vehicles.

According to the GAO, about 5,300 people died as a result of crashes involving large commercial trucks or buses in 2006. The DOT determined that about 12 percent of the fatal crashes could be blamed on the commercial driver falling asleep, being disabled by a heart attack or seizure, or other physical impairments.

In 2001, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued eight safety actions to improve the oversight of the CDL medical certification process. To date, reports the GAO, none have been implemented.

Also See: DOT Proposes Driver Training Rule for Truckers