Fit To Drive? The Physical Requirements of Truck Drivers in Texas

Truck drivers in Texas are held to a higher standard than traditional motorists on our busy highways. The truckers that driver I-35 and other busy roads in Texas must obtain have more training, obtain a CDL and meet physical requirements as mandated by the Department of Transportation.

Federal law requires that all CDL holders pass the Department of Transportation Medical Examination and receive periodic physical exams to ensure the ability of the driver to safely operate a semi-truck. Also called a DOT medical card, truckers must pass the check-up and provide proof with a Medical Examiners Certificate.

As defined by the US Department of Transportation, CDL holders that wish to drive commercial trucks must meet the following physical requirements:

Must have 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. Glasses or contact lenses are acceptable to correct a driver's vision.

Cannot be a diabetic on needle-injected insulin; diabetes controlled through a diet or oral medication is permitted.

Blood pressure must be under 160/100. Prescription medication to control blood pressure is permitted.

Blood sugar level must be under 200.

Use of a Schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic or any other habit forming drug is not permitted.

If you have a current diagnosis of cardiac insufficiency, collapse, congestive cardiac failure or any other cardiovascular disease you will be required to provide the Medical Examiner with a recent stress test, along with a letter from your doctor stating that you can drive a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions.

There are some other conditions that could prevent a driver from passing the physical DOT exam like sleep apnea, recent back injury, recent major surgery, a current hernia, or a recent workmen's compensation claims.

Although trucking companies are supposed to make sure their drivers are physically fit and have passed all required exams and drug screenings, many do not. When a trucking company fails to ensure its drivers are physically able as mandated by the DOT to operate a truck, we consider this negligence. If the truck driver responsible for you accident was driving without proof of passing the DOT medical exam, or if they were high on drugs or alcohol at the time of your accident, you may be able to pursue a claim against them for causing your injuries. If you believe an 18-wheeler company was negligent in the hiring of their drivers or that the trucker who hit you wasn't physically fit enough to operate a big rig, contact the Texas truck wreck attorneys at the Anderson Law Firm in Fort Worth.

Other Articles You Might Be Interested In:
Are truckers held to a higher standard than regular motorists?
Statute of Limitations for Your Truck Accident
How Truck Accident Lawyers Are Paid
Why is it important to investigate my 18-wheeler accident as soon as possible?
How can I get access to the at-fault trucker's driving logs?

The Anderson Law Firm offers free no obligation consultations to people injured in accidents or who have suffered physical harm as a result of someone else's actions. We do not charge you to initially discuss your situation and establish whether you have a claim to pursue. You can call us and discuss your case over the phone, we can set up an appointment for you to come into our office, or we can visit you in your home anywhere in the metroplex.

If after meeting with us you decide that we are the best personal injury lawyer for you, then we will enter into a contingent fee agreement. This means that we only get paid when we win a settlement or jury verdict in your favor. You don't pay us anything up front. We will cover all expenses spent working on your case. Only when we win for you will you need to pay us. If we don't win, then you owe us nothing.

Contact us online now or call us 24 hours a day toll free on 1-800-354-MARK (1-800-345-6-275). You can also call us locally in Fort Worth on 817-294-1900 or in Dallas on 214-327-8000.

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