It is no secret that large commercial trucks pose a danger to drivers on highways in Illinois and throughout the country. 18 wheelers are heavier, take longer to brake, and are more difficult to maneuver than passenger vehicles, which is why commercial truck drivers must receive a medical checkup roughly every two years to retain their driver’s licenses. Too often, however, drivers were able to receive required checkups from untrained medical personnel, who in some cases would provide drivers with the necessary okay after a cursory examination.
In order to address this problem, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced a new rule that requires healthcare professionals who perform medical examinations on truckers to be tested and certified on the specific physical conditions that can impact the safe operation of a commercial truck. The goal is to prevent truck accidents by making sure that truck drivers do not have any physical problems that create a hazard on the road.
Medical personnel performing the required examinations will be tested and certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which will maintain a database of medical examiners.
A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a truck accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can assess your case and help you get the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For more information about what a personal injury attorney can do for you, contact us today.
Source: The Trucker, “DOT announces national medical examiners final rule,” Kevin Jones.