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With the school year fast approaching, school bus drivers are going to be in high demand to make sure each student has a method of getting to school on time. In order to maintain your certification as a driver, you may be required by the school district to undergo periodic DOT physicals. While the examination is valid for up to two years, you may need to have yours updated more frequently in order to maintain district or state guidelines as well as maintaining your Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
What happens during a DOT physical?
A DOT physical is a specific type of examination required by the Department of Transportation for drivers with a CDL. It is the DOT’s way of making sure that drivers are still physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle with cargo or other passengers safely and without incident. When you undergo your physical, you will need to bring a copy of your medical history and a list of current prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking that may appear on a drug screen. If you use hearing aids or corrective lenses, you will need to make sure you have them as well. Your doctor will check the following during your appointment:
- Height, weight and blood pressure
- Hearing and vision
- Stress level
- Blood sugar level
- Cardiac function
- Digestion
- Reflexes and nervous system function
Depending on certain risk factors that may appear during your physical, your employer may require you to undergo more frequent examinations. Risk factors may include heightened stress levels, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Why DOT Physicals are important for school bus drivers
Driving is an intensive job that requires the operator of a commercial vehicle to be able to sit for several hours and concentrate on their surroundings, navigating through roads for long periods of time without incident or causing harm to others. School bus drivers must navigate through narrow residential areas in a timely manner while students can potentially cause distractions behind them, shouting and moving around and obscuring the line of vision. Feeling stressed often can lead to rising blood pressure, which can lead to cardiac complications. DOT physicals allow your doctor to take note of risk factors early, providing treatment or referring you to a specialist before it becomes a problem.
DOT Physicals for School Bus Drivers in Aberdeen, Matawan & Morganville, NJ
If you require a DOT physical to maintain your CDL or for your position as a school bus driver, contact AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen today! We will be able to work with your employer to measure the metrics necessary to maintain your accreditation. For questions about occupational health or to set up an appointment for a physical, please call 732-583-5100.
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