Driving commercial vehicles is of great importance. Drivers are required to be responsive while driving the vehicles. The Department of Transportation (DOT) often introduces special units to find out if your driver is sensitive to safety measures for his personal and public life. You need to take the initiative at the right time so that your drivers can prove their efficiency behind the wheel. The DOT physical test is a similar test that checks whether drivers are fit to carry out their driving responsibilities. The test is performed by registered doctors. The test is conducted strictly according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines. It ensures that CDL drivers and various other safety-sensitive employees are in perfect health both mentally and physically.
The entire procedure of DOT Physicals is carried out with the mutual cooperation of doctors, drivers and other employees, including employers. However, both employees and drivers need to play their role well. They must present the following documents:
• Shows in case they use them
• List of medications you are taking at the time from DOT Physicals. They also need to mention their dosage.
• Headphones if you need them while driving the vehicles
• The annual control report prepared by a professional specialist must be submitted at the time of the test.
Things to expect from DOT physical tests:
The specialists who administer the DOT physical tests are very sensitive to maintaining the standards required by the FMCSA. As an employee or employer, you can expect the following:
• The doctor will examine and review the health history of the drivers/employees.
• Record various physical conditions which would include pulse rate, blood pressure, weight and height of the employees attending the test.
• Checking the power of the eyes using the eye chart.
• Check other physical standards, including limb flexibility, ability to breathe, and range of motion.
• You must perform blood and urine tests for addiction to Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, Phencyclidine and Amphetamines.
Responsibilities of Physicians/Specialists Administering DOT Physical Exams:
Doctors for DOT physicals are generally designated by the FMCSA. The appointment is based on the qualifications and experience of the physicians. Specialists are required to carry out their responsibilities to the best of their ability so that they can find the best drivers who are safe for themselves and the people around them while driving. The following are some of the responsibilities they must carry out:
• Preparation of reports to the extent of their possibilities.
• Preserve records for future use.
• Provide appropriate advice to drivers and others who are tested.
• While screening drivers and others, they must remember and follow the FMCSA guidelines.
The importance of DOT Physicals is serious and that is why everyone who is interested in the same should play their part well so that everyone can be completely at ease. The success of this initiative can bring safety on the road for all.
