CDME Module 2: Vision and Hearing (2025)-Vision and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety Expert Panel Recommendations.

Vision and Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Safety Expert Panel Recommendations.

Pdf Summary

In its mission to enhance commercial motor vehicle safety and reduce accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) aims to update its physical qualification standards for drivers, particularly concerning visual disorders. The Medical Expert Panel (MEP), comprising experts Frank Berson, MD, Cynthia Owsley, MSPH, PhD, and Eli Peli, MSc, OD, was convened to review the existing guidelines and provide recommendations on the potential safety impacts of various visual disorders on CMV drivers. <br /><br />Their recommendations focused on several vision issues, including monocular vision, red-green color deficiencies, visual field loss, cataracts, and diplopia. The panel suggested retaining the prohibition against CMV driving for individuals with monocular vision until further data could potentially warrant a change, estimating that at least two more years of data would be needed for a solid recommendation. While red-green color deficiencies currently do not have sufficient evidence to suggest a definitive impact on crash risk, the panel recommended further investigation into testing guidelines. <br /><br />For visual field loss, the MEP agreed that more evidence is needed to define acceptable field ranges and testing methodologies, noting the current standard of 70 degrees might be appropriate or require modification. Cataracts did not merit alterations to licensing standards due to insufficient linkage to crash risk, and the panel emphasized the importance of considering post-surgical outcomes in future assessments. Similarly, with diplopia, the evidence remains inconclusive to assert any increased crash risk—hence, no recommended changes to standards at this time. <br /><br />Furthermore, a comparison of international guidelines reveals varied standards, with some countries offering restricted licenses based on visual impairments, and states within the U.S. allowing for medical waivers or licenses with restrictions for drivers who don’t meet the Federal requirements. The MEP's recommendations were designed to be informed by scientific evidence while providing concise, actionable guidance for FMCSA's consideration, reflecting the current state of research on visual disorders' impact on CMV driver safety.

Keywords

FMCSA

visual disorders

CMV safety

Medical Expert Panel

monocular vision

red-green color deficiencies

visual field loss

cataracts

diplopia

driver qualification standards