DOT Exam in Peabody MA
What is a DOT Exam?
All safety-sensitive employees are required by the Department of Transportation to undergo a DOT exam annually. “Safety sensitive” refers to jobs that can impact both their own safety and the safety of the public. In short, a DOT physical ensures that commercial drivers and other safety-sensitive employees are in good health to work safely.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration list the following as common causes of crashes for commercial vehicles:
-
Non-Performance: The driver fell asleep, was disabled by a heart attack or seizure, or was physically impaired for another reason.
-
Recognition: The driver was inattentive, was distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle, or failed to observe the situation adequately for some other reason.
-
Decision: For example, the driver was driving too fast for conditions, misjudged the speed of other vehicles, or followed other vehicles too closely.
-
Performance: For example, the driver panicked, overcompensated, or exercised poor directional control.
Based on this list of causes, it is obvious to see why DOT exams are critical to the safety of both the driver and of the general public.
What does a DOT Exam cover?
-
Vision - Drivers are required to have at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction. They are also required to have at least 70” peripheral in the horizontal meridian, measured in each eye.
-
Hearing - Drivers must be able to perceive what is known as a “forced whisper” at a distance of 5ft or less, with or without a hearing aid. This standard equates to an average hearing loss in the better ear of less than 40 dB.
-
Blood pressure/pulse rate - The medical examiner will check the driver's blood pressure and pulse to look for high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats.
-
Urinalysis - A urinalysis is required. The test looks for indications of underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
-
Physical Examination -The physical exam will cover several different categories including general appearance, mouth and throat, heart, and lungs.
How do I prepare for a DOT Exam?
It may seem like preparing for a DOT exam will be complicated and difficult. Below are some tips to ensure you are prepared and your DOT exam in Peabody MA goes smoothly.
-
To save time, fill out the health history questionnaire before coming to the clinic. The questionnaire should include a complete list of their medications, including the dosage regimen, dosages, and their doctors’ names and addresses.
-
Drivers with medical issues such as vision or hearing problems need to bring the appropriate documents from their physician as well as eyeglasses, contacts and hearing aids.
-
Diabetics must bring the most recent lab results from their Hemoglobin A1C (HgAIC) and their blood sugar logs.
-
Drivers with known heart conditions must bring a letter from their cardiologist that includes their medical history and current medications, and indicates that they are safe to work
Doctor in Peabody Alexander Katz at Century Medical Center is certified by the FMCSA to perform DOT exams. Please contact the office if you have additional questions and to make an appointment for your DOT exam in Peabody MA. You can also BOOK ONLINE.
Save time when visiting the office and download all your patient forms here
