Entry-Level Driver Training • Driver Qualification • Fatigue • Driver Wellness

General Driver Qualification At least 21 years old Can read, write, and speak English Have experience and/or training to safely operate your vehicle Pass required physical exam Pass controlled substance test

General Driver Qualification Have valid motor vehicle operator’s license Provide employer with list of violations over past 12 months Are not disqualified to drive a CMV Passed a road test

General Driver Qualification Can determine whether cargo is properly loaded, distributed, and secured Are familiar with methods and procedures for securing cargo (both goods and passengers)

Physical Qualifications Must pass a physical exam Must carry a certificate signed by a medical examiner stating you are physically qualified Employer must keep a copy of certificate in driver qualification file

Physical Qualifications You are not qualified if you have: Lost a foot, leg, hand, or arm An impairment of a hand, finger, arm, foot, or leg which interferes with your ability to perform normal tasks associated with driving a CMV Diabetes requiring insulin for control

Physical Qualifications You are not qualified if you have: Heart disease, which causes you chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath Chest or breathing problems like chronic asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis High blood pressure likely to interfere with driving

Physical Qualifications You are not qualified if you have: Loss of movement or feeling in part of your body Any sickness which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV Any mental problems likely to interfere with your ability to drive a CMV safely

Physical Qualifications You are not qualified if you have: Poor vision that affects your ability to see objects that are far away, objects to the side, or traffic signal colors Poor hearing

Physical Qualifications You are not qualified if you have: Used certain drugs (unless prescribed by a doctor who has advised you that use will not adversely affect your ability to safely operate a CMV) A current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism

Driver Disqualification (§391.15) You are disqualified if convicted of any of the following while operating a CMV: Driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or more Driving under the influence of alcohol as prescribed by state law Refusing to undergo alcohol testing

Driver Disqualification (§391.15) You are disqualified if convicted of any of the following while operating a CMV: Operating under the influence of a controlled substance Transporting, possessing, or unlawfully using drugs Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV Committing a felony involving a CMV

Driver Disqualification (§391.15) Disqualification period ranges from 6 months to 3 years depending on severity of the offense

Driver Disqualification (§391.15) Violating an out-of-service order disqualifies you for 90 days to 5 years Penalties are more severe for drivers of vehicles carrying passengers or hazardous materials

Driver Disqualification (§383.51) Drivers who hold a CDL can be disqualified for certain offenses committed in any type of vehicle

Quiz 1. You are qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle if you: a. Are at least 21 years old. b. Pass a required physical exam. c. Pass a road test. d. All of the above. 2. You must carry a certificate signed by a medical examiner that states you are physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. a. True b. False

Fatigue Ranges from sleepy to exhausted Can cause involuntary brain shutdown Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep

Fatigue Sleep loss of as little as 2 hours can affect: Judgment Reaction time Coordination Attitude/mood

Fatigue Circadian rhythm = Body’s internal clock Most people’s clocks run on a 24-hour basis with high and low points Disruption of the clock can lead to fatigue

Fatigue Signs of fatigue: Drowsiness Yawning Lack of alertness Fighting to keep eyes open

Fatigue Signs of fatigue: Head drooping Sore/stiff neck muscles Reduced reaction time

Fatigue Signs of fatigue: Erratic shifting Intermittent braking Following vehicles too closely Bad driving decisions Lane deviations/weaving

Fatigue Ways to fight fatigue: Get a solid 8 hours of sleep Establish a regular sleep routine Avoid driving during body’s “down time” Exercise regularly Eat properly Take a nap

Fatigue Good sleeping habits: Sleep in a quiet, dark room Keep sleeping area comfortable Have a bedtime routine

Fatigue Sleep apnea: Brief interruptions in breathing Wakes person so briefly he/she doesn’t know it happened Can repeat up to 600 times a night causing increased fatigue

General Wellness Eat right Exercise regularly Get proper rest Undergo periodic physical exams

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure LDL = Bad cholesterol HDL = Good cholesterol

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Total cholesterol < 200 LDL< 130 HDL > 50

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure High blood pressure is dangerous Can lead to heart and kidney disease

Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Blood pressure should be < 140/90

Weight and Exercise Being overweight contributes to many health problems Eating right and physical activity can help in maintaining a healthy weight

Weight and Exercise Eating right includes: At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables Watching fat consumption Moderating sugar and salt intake Limiting alcohol use

Weight and Exercise Moderate physical activity for 30 minutes daily can improve well being

Weight and Exercise Moderate physical activity includes: Walking briskly Conditioning General calisthenics

Weight and Exercise Consult with your physician before starting any program

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Reduces coordination Slows reaction rates Dulls mental processes

Stress A physical or mental response to pressures of an event or factors of living in general Can be positive or negative Causes the body to get into survival mode

Stress Prolonged stress can cause: High blood pressure Pain Breathing trouble Digestive disorders Insomnia Fatigue

Stress Prolonged stress can cause: Frustration Irritability Anger Impatience Worry Lack of self confidence

Stress Prolonged stress can lead to: Accidents Loss of priorities Rushing Inappropriate behavior

Stress Stress-reduction techniques include: Breaks Exercise Proper rest and diet Deep breathing/yoga Having fun Talking to a friend

Quiz 1. Healthy habits include: a. The use of illegal drugs. b. Getting 3 to 4 hours of sleep on a daily basis. c. Exercising regularly. d. Drinking 8 to 10 cups of coffee daily. 2. Your health doesn’t play a part in the safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle. a. True. b. False. 3. Generally, most adults need ____ hours of uninterrupted sleep to feel well-rested. a. 4-5 b. 5-6 c. 6-7 d. 7-8

References Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration www.fmcsa.gov