NTSB Pushes for Tougher Driver Medical Exams

The National Transportation Safety Board is recommending that commercial drivers pass more rigorous medical exams to get behind the wheel, news services reported.

This recommendation comes as part of a report on a 1999 bus crash, which killed 22 passengers. The driver of that bus had a history of heart and kidney problems, and had been in the hospital as recently as seven hours prior to the fateful trip, Reuters said.

“The failure of the medical certification process to remove unfit drivers is a systematic, not an isolated problem,” the NTSB report said.

The board recommended to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that it develop a medical oversight initiative for commercial drivers, the Associated Press reported.

That initiative should include a provision to check previous applications by drivers for medical certification. In doing so, drivers would be prevented from “doctor shopping” until they get a favorable rating, according to Reuters.

As part of the examination process overhaul, the NTSB asked state legislatures provide immunity to medical officials from lawsuits over loss of income from a failing grade.

The board also suggested the creation of a national database of drivers who have failed drug tests and require that the database be consulted prior to hiring a driver.

The driver in the bus accident had a prior history of positive drug tests, news services reported.

The FMSCA will review the NTSB’s recommendations, AP said.