ok, i cannot post a link here from another board i am a member of, but a few days ago, another member at that board posted a thread regarding the BMI (body mass index), and that this could put drivers out of a job. that other member couldn't remember the whole story, but that he did hear it on "Land Line Now" the radio show that's part of the OOIDA, which i would recommend drivers become members of as for us to have some sort of representation.

anyhow, i thought it was a citizens rights group, which is usually the people who deem themselves "guardians" of our livelyhood. when in fact, it is the CDL Medical Review Board's brilliant idea.

i took the time to e-mail the radio show host, and he so kindly e-mailed me the explaination of what is trying to be accomplished.

IF this gets approved, many of us CAN BE out of a job, then i ask, who will drive those trucks...??


here is the radio show host's response:
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Here's the straight scoop. The CDL Medical Review Board, which decides the medical standards that truckers have to meet in order to get and keep a medical card, are focusing on sleep apnea.

BMI - or Body Mass Index - is one way to determine whether you are at greater risk. Note here that it doesn't mean you will have it, just that you're at greater risk.

In addition, most measurements for BMI that are commonly used are highly inaccurate, putting many people into higher BMI categories that should not be there.

All that being said, since BMI is a risk factor for apnea, and since apnea can lead to fatigue if not treated, the Medical Review Board is proposing that that any driver above a certain BMI be denied medical certification.

This could potentially take thousands of safe drivers who do not have apnea - or who treat it successfully - off the road.

Needless to say, OOIDA is opposing this regulation strongly. It is not based on good science or good medicine. It is a formula for denying good, safe, law-abiding drivers the right to make a living.

I hope this helps. If you think this would clear things up for other truckers, please feel free to share it with them.

Thanks,

Mark H. Reddig
Host
Land Line Now