What To Expect When Have A DOT Physical

By Lawanda Burch


A Department of Transportation is normally charged with making the roads safer for travelers and truckers alike. One of the ways they do this is by making sure the drivers of the big trucks on the highway are healthy enough to perform their duties and will not become a hazard to those they are sharing the road with. A driver who wishes to either obtain or hold onto their commercial drivers license with have to pass a DOT physical. They will be checked to make sure their physical condition is good enough to be put in charge of vehicles that could cause a lot of damage if they are involved in an accident.

Having good eyesight is important when one is driving down the highway. People who cannot see well might not notice a problem up ahead and end up causing a collision. Bad eyesight will not stop anyone from getting a license provided they take corrective action like having laser surgery done or getting a pair of glasses.

One of the first things that will be checked on a driver is their blood pressure. High blood pressure can create problems for a driver. They could end up losing their license or be denied to get a license.

What will happen to a driver with high blood pressure depends on high the pressure reading is. Those who are slightly higher can get a conditional license that can last anywhere from three months to a year. Those with very high levels might have to stay off the road until they get their pressure back under control.

Blood sugar levels can also indicate potential health problems that could affect the ability of a driver to operate a large truck. High readings normally indicate that a person has become a diabetic. Diabetes is a disease which can sneak upon a person and cause a wide range of complications with the health of a person. Some diabetics have been known to become disorientated or unconscious while driving.

Diabetes can be controlled through the use of medication like metformin. A person who controls their blood sugar using this method can still quality for a license. However, drivers who need to use injectable insulin will probably have to find a new career in the industry.

The status of the cardiovascular system of a person is also of prime concern for transportation agencies. Someone who is suffering from congestive heart failure is not the best candidate to be licensed to operate heavy vehicles. Stress tests can help determine the state of any cardiovascular diseases to alert an agency to any potential problems.

Helping to keep roads safe usually involves the Department of Transportation. This agency will usually require drivers to take a DOT physical to make sure they do not have health problems that could affect their ability to operate a truck safely. Drivers who fail these examinations will often lose their driving privileges at least for awhile.




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