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Tractor-trailer and bus drivers in the United States have suffered seizures, heart attacks or unconscious spells behind the wheel, leading to deadly crashes on highways.
The Government Accountability Office found that more than 500,000 truck and bus drivers -- about 4 percent of those with licenses -- are considered fully disabled by the federal government and receive disability benefits. Investigators say that number raises questions but does not mean all are medically unfit.
Truck and bus drivers are supposed to receive a medical certificate showing they're healthy. In Utah, most truck drivers have to pass a physical exam every two years. But those who have heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and other health conditions go every six months to a year
Sgt. Brad Clayton, with the Utah Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Division, says, "They are required to carry a document with them stating that they've passed their physical. They can be forged, I'm sure."
Clayton says Utah law allows some drivers with health conditions to get a waiver and drive within Utah but not cross state lines.
More than 1,000 drivers nationwide have hearing, vision, or seizure disorders, which generally disqualify someone from a commercial license. It is a serious problem because they are not only a threat to themselves, but they're a threat to everyone else that's out on the road.
David Osiecki, with the American Trucking Association, says, "This is not a major public safety problem that some would paint. Is it a problem? Sure."
The industry says speeding and aggressive driving by truckers are much greater safety problems.
"They take up a large part of the road, and it takes them a long time to stop, so they need to be held to a higher standard," Clayton says.
He also says it's always a good idea to drive safely around a truck because you don't know how the driver is doing.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
(The Associated Press contributed to this s tory. Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
