Can I still pass a DOT physical?

[JeffTheTerrible]

Hi all,

It's been a good while since I've been here, and I've been keeping myself quite occupied.
I recently spent some time in Iraq, after being called up from the army reserve. While I was over there, you might say that I lost a bit of weight.
My right leg had to be amputated just below the knee. How it happened, I'd prefer not to talk about, but that's how the cards played out for me.
I'm still going through physical therapy, and it'll probably be a little while before I'm back and up to my old antics.
At some point, I'll have to go for a DOT physical before I go back to driving. But, I've been avoiding this question for some time now, because I'm not entirely certain if I'm ready for the answer. But, it has to be asked, so..

Am I still going to be able to go back on the road, or has this effectively ended any chances of going back out there? I mean, I've noticed some rather unhealthy looking sorts out there on the road, but, as far as I know, they've all been completely intact. Regardless of whatever's said here, I'm going to go and find out firsthand, but I'd like a fair idea of what I can expect before I do. So, anyone have insight about this?

[RebelDarlin]

Jeff,

First of all Welcome home! And thank you sincerely for your Service!!!

In answer to your question, there are exemtions for amputees. Here is a link to the section dealing with the exemptions:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regul...ction_toc=1785

I wish you the best with your physical therapy and and getting back on the road!

Reb

[JeffTheTerrible]

Thanks for the link. From what it says, it might be a possibility, but I suppose there are other things to factor in, like manipulating a gas pedal for hours on end when I don't have an articulated joint in (was was once) my ankle anymore. If it had been my left leg, it wouldn't be so much of an issue, but, of course it couldn't be that simple.
On the up side, my boss man said he'd hire me back. I was running a lowboy for a road construction outfit when I got called up, and, after that, I don't think I really want to go back to OTR. It's a hell of a lot more work, but I was actually doing better financially doing that than I was OTR.. during the peak season, anyhow.. and I never had to drive 11 hours or so straight through, because it was all from site-to-site, moving pavers, bulldozers, and whatever else needed moving.
But I think it's time I seriously weighed other options. I still have my GI Bill from when I was in the active army, so it might be better just to find some good use to put that towards, since I have enough saved up now to carry me over for a long enough duration of time that I could attend and complete a trade school, or something of the sort. I'm not certain I see much of a future in this anymore, so I suppose I'll be joining all the other drivers out there who've decided to hang it up (ever since I got back, there sure does seem to be a lot of them).
And, if all else fails, I suppose I could take a shot at becoming the next famous white rapper, right? Word.

[RebelDarlin]

If it's what you want to do, there are ways to do it. There are modifications that can be installed in any vehicle to enable you to drive. I didn't say it would be a cake walk, but it can be done. Whether you want to still drive is something you're going to have to decide for yourself. My Grandmother didn't learn how to drive until AFTER she had had her leg amputated. She said it made her feel less helpless. So it's up to you.

Sounds like you're already considering alternative careers, which right now may not be a bad idea. The industry is in a bit of a slump.

Again the best of luck to you, whatever you decide to do.

Reb

[JeffTheTerrible]

It would be one thing if I owned a truck, or had a major stake vested in a company. I really can't be certain how many carriers out there would be willing to install such modifications, though. And I'm already driving my own car again, but you're just as well aware as I am about the stark differences between the gas pedal of an Impala vs. that of a commercial vehicle.
Anyhow, we'll see what transpires. Again, I appreciate the link and the advice.

[Jay B]

a couple weeks ago I saw a driver climbing out of his cab at the fuel island who had one leg amputated somewhere above the knee. On the side of his cab was stenciled 'The driver of this vehicle carries a federal medical waiver'. As I passed him I said "damn, I thought the handicap spots at the truck stops where a joke" he smiled and said he refuses to use them.

[flood]

when we were in school (nashville, tn.) one day and driver that had goon to the same school stopped by to say hi. he had lost he leg below the knee. when asked about it he said that the only thing he had to do was every time he had to renew his cdl he had to go down to dmv and retake his pre-trip and driving test to show he could still do them...

[Myth_Buster]

Sorry Flood you were mis-informed:

§391.41 Physical qualifications for drivers.

(a) A person shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless he/she is physically qualified to do so and, except as provided in §391.67, has on his/her person the original, or a photographic copy, of a medical examiner's certificate that he/she is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle.

(b)(2)(ii) An arm, foot, or leg which interferes with the ability to perform normal tasks associated with operating a commercial motor vehicle; or any other significant limb defect or limitation which interferes with the ability to perform normal tasks associated with operating a commercial motor vehicle; or has been granted a skill performance evaluation certificate pursuant to §391.49.

Any missing limb requires a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE).

Be safe.

[flood]

skill performance evaluation certificate pursuant to §391.49.

so would the state of tennessee making him retake his pre-trip and driving test (at dmv not 3rd party) every time he renews his cdl count as a performance evaluation....?

[Myth_Buster]

An SPE is issued by the FMCSA. A person has to follow the guidance in Part 391.49 and submit all of the required information. Once the application is approved an FMCSA employee arranges for the SPE to occur. The SPE takes approximately 1/2 a day as the person has to perform the pre-trip without any assistance, manuver through an obstical course, and have at least two 20 mile road tests.

Once the FMCSA employee is satisfied the person with the impairment can operate a vehicle safely the SPE is issued for a particular type of vehicle:

(c)(3) Description of the commercial motor vehicle(s) the driver applicant intends to drive:

(c)(3)(i) Truck, truck tractor, or bus make, model, and year (if known);

(c)(3)(ii) Drive train;

(c)(3)(ii)(A) Transmission type (automatic or manual—if manual, designate number of forward speeds);

(c)(3)(ii)(B) Auxiliary transmission (if any) and number of forward speeds; and

(c)(3)(ii)(C) Rear axle (designate single speed, 2 speed, or 3 speed).

(c)(3)(iii) Type of brake system;

(c)(3)(iv) Steering, manual or power assisted;

(c)(3)(v) Description of type of trailer(s) (i.e., van, flatbed, cargo tank, drop frame, lowboy, or pole);

(c)(3)(vi) Number of semitrailers or full trailers to be towed at one time;

(c)(3)(vii) For commercial motor vehicles designed to transport passengers, indicate the seating capacity of commercial motor vehicle; and

(c)(3)(viii) Description of any modification(s) made to the commercial motor vehicle for the driver applicant; attach photograph(s) where applicable

The SPE pertains to interstate commerce, depending on the state some states have no provisions for drivers who do not meet the medical standards, i.e. Illinois does not have a program for drivers with diabeties who operate wholly in intrastate commerce.

Be safe.

[JeffTheTerrible]

I appreciate the info, everyone. Right now, I'm looking at a possible job as a yard spotter... wish me luck with everything working out on that. I've contacted a local group for truckers here in NC, and things actually seem to be going surprisingly well. At the moment, my biggest obstacle to overcome is going to be my family. I'm going back to Finland to visit them next month, and I kinda hate to say this, but I've been keeping them a bit in the dark on things. They know I was in the military from 98 - 02, but weren't aware that I remained in reserve components since, they don't know I was in Irak, and I have to figure out whether to disclose everything (and risk them having one hell of a fit over it), or simply trying to hide the fact that I'm missing a good portion of my leg. I already wear long pants year round, so that might not seem to unusual, but they're bound to realise that the way I walk now isn't exactly normal.... well, cross my fingers, and hope for the best, right?

[RebelDarlin]

Best of Luck with the job!

As for the family, you know them better than I do. But speaking as a mother, I'd be heartbroken over your injury, grateful you were still alive, and mad as hell that you didn't tell me! But that's just me. Good Luck with the family situation too and enjoy your trip back home.


Reb

[JeffTheTerrible]

Yeah, it all gets a little complicated. My parents are real pacifists, and I suppose my grandfather's to blame for that. He fought in the Winter War (a.k.a, the Russo-Finnish war), and he really had it in for the Russians, let me tell you. Adding a somewhat black chapter to that history of his, he also ended up enlisting in the SS to fight the Russians, once again... anyhow, he'd always share his stories of fighting the Russians, and the way he told the stories, it would get someone real fired up, and I'd practically be begging him to jump across the border with me so that we could pick a fight with them. "Perkele! We'll take Karelia back!" Needless to say, they were somewhat pleased when I chose to stay in America with relatives, because it effectively helped me evade Finnish conscription.. but that subsided soon enough when they found out that I'd enlisted in the US Army... about eight months or so after I came off of active duty, and served a tour in Afghanistan . So they should be absolutely tickled pink when they find out about this. And they're really not ones to pry, so they might assume it was just an automotive accident or something of that sort, but my sister, on the other hand... she nags and nags, and essentially makes it damn near impossible to withhold information from her.
On the bright side, I've got it made when Halloween comes around. I've already got half of my pirate costume completed, courtesy of Haaji. Shiver me timbers!

[RebelDarlin]

Families are always complicated, that's why we have friends. We get to pick them. :wink:

I'm so glad to see that your sense of humour hasn't diminished. You're going to be a blast at Halloween! :twisted:

Reb

[JeffTheTerrible]

Well, I could mope about, and expect others to feel pity for me, but that's simply useless, and it's just not my way. I tend to laugh everything off, which can be a double edged sword sometimes, but it's just a part of who I am. I was making jokes about it even as I was being loaded on the medevac flight, and that was before they began doping me up :P Granted, I didn't realise exactly what had happened to me at the time, and my humour may not have held up so well if I had, but anyhow..

For me, the only downside with Halloween (or any other occasion which is cause for people to attend parties) is that I can always expect phone calls at inconvenient hours from people too drunk to drive themselves home, because they know I don't drink. Aside from that, I always have a blast at Halloween

[ct77]

I know i saw a truck pull in once, after a few minutes side of sleeper opened up and wheelchair elevator lowered the driver in wheelchair to the ground, absolutely fascinating how it was constructed. Was suprised because I did nt think the feds would allow it but I always say if you can do the job more power to ya.

From One trooper to another, glad to hear you have a sense of humor about it, you are in our prayers.

[JeffTheTerrible]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

I kinda would like to see that.. just to see how it's set up, mind you - I can still move about on my own. I remember once when MTO officers in Ontario were telling me about one driver who was hooked up to a liquid oxygen system, and was still able to drive a truck.. in fact, they claimed that his license was restricted to where he could only drive a truck. Now, whether it's true, exaggerated, or just plain BS is anyone's guess, although I have to admit some degree of skepticism when I heard that.

Anyhow, I received this in my inbox today, and thought I'd share it with everyone. The members of my squad can be a bunch of bastards when they want to be, and that's what makes them so great.

[RebelDarlin]

That's funny, sort of. When my Grandfather didn't want my Grandmother to go anywhere, he would hide her leg before he left for work. She would call screaming for us to come and find it. :shock:

A friend of mine who lost his leg in a car accident, likes to argue. Somewhere during the argument he'll grab a knife and stab it into his leg and just leave it there. Freaks people out every time. :twisted:

We all adapt and overcome in our own way. :wink:

[JeffTheTerrible]

That's funny, sort of. When my Grandfather didn't want my Grandmother to go anywhere, he would hide her leg before he left for work. She would call screaming for us to come and find it. :shock:

I can see why she'd be screaming. I'd be quite pissed off if someone did that to me. My sense of humour does have its limitations after all.
BUT... I can laugh, just so long as it's happening to someone else, and not me

A friend of mine who lost his leg in a car accident, likes to argue. Somewhere during the argument he'll grab a knife and stab it into his leg and just leave it there. Freaks people out every time. :twisted:

See, that would still hurt me. I still have most of my leg.. it's just a section below the knee which was... you might say forcibly removed. But, if my neighbour's dog decides to bite at my ankle again, I'm covered (just so long as it's on that particular side).

We all adapt and overcome in our own way. :wink:

I wonder if I could attach an electric egg beater to mine? Then, if I learned to cook, perhaps I could even have my own cooking show. Kinda like that guinea Emeril... although I lack his people skills. Well, I'd just have to adapt and overcome in my own way, right?

[RebelDarlin]

That's funny, sort of. When my Grandfather didn't want my Grandmother to go anywhere, he would hide her leg before he left for work. She would call screaming for us to come and find it. :shock:

I can see why she'd be screaming. I'd be quite pissed off if someone did that to me. My sense of humour does have its limitations after all.
BUT... I can laugh, just so long as it's happening to someone else, and not me

We always thought it was funny, but you're right, it wasn't happening to us.

A friend of mine who lost his leg in a car accident, likes to argue. Somewhere during the argument he'll grab a knife and stab it into his leg and just leave it there. Freaks people out every time. :twisted:

See, that would still hurt me. I still have most of my leg.. it's just a section below the knee which was... you might say forcibly removed. But, if my neighbour's dog decides to bite at my ankle again, I'm covered (just so long as it's on that particular side).

Ok then don't try that particular "trick". I guess my point was, it's a physical thing and only a small part of who you are. Your own attitude about it (which BTW seems pretty good) is what really matters.

We all adapt and overcome in our own way. :wink:

I wonder if I could attach an electric egg beater to mine? Then, if I learned to cook, perhaps I could even have my own cooking show. Kinda like that guinea Emeril... although I lack his people skills. Well, I'd just have to adapt and overcome in my own way, right?

Well there's an idea. Can you cook?