Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision, 5490-5492 [E7-1835]

Download as PDF 5490 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 6, 2007 / Notices sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES for additional two year periods. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the 10 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (67 FR 68719; 68 FR 2629; 69 FR 71100; 68 FR 8794; 70 FR 8659; 69 FR 64806; 70 FR 2705). Each of these 10 applicants has requested timely renewal of the exemption and has submitted evidence showing that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the standard specified at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and that the vision impairment is stable. In addition, a review of each record of safety while driving with the respective vision deficiencies over the past two years indicates each applicant continues to meet the vision exemption standards. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to drive safely in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for each renewal applicant for a period of two years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Request for Comments FMCSA will review comments received at any time concerning a particular driver’s safety record and determine if the continuation of the exemption is consistent with the requirements at 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. However, FMCSA requests that interested parties with specific data concerning the safety records of these drivers submit comments by March 8, 2007. FMCSA believes that the requirements for a renewal of an exemption under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 can be satisfied by initially granting the renewal and then requesting and evaluating, if needed, subsequent comments submitted by interested parties. As indicated above, the Agency previously published notices of final disposition announcing its decision to exempt these 10 individuals from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The final decision to grant an exemption to each of these individuals was based on the merits of each case and only after careful consideration of the comments received to its notices of applications. The notices of applications stated in detail the qualifications, experience, and medical condition of each applicant for an exemption from the vision requirements. That information is available by consulting the above cited Federal Register publications. Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:03 Feb 05, 2007 Jkt 211001 otherwise show that any, or all of these drivers, are not currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. Issued on: January 30, 2007. Pamela M. Pelcovits, Office Director, Policy Plans and Regulations. [FR Doc. E7–1845 Filed 2–5–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Solicitation of Applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, Safety Data Improvement Program Grant Opportunity Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: FMCSA announces that it has published an opportunity to apply for FY 2007 Safety Data Improvement Program Grant Opportunity funding on the grants.gov Web site (https:// www.grants.gov). Section 4128 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users (SAFETEA–LU) establishes the Safety Data Improvement Program Grant Program Opportunity. The legislation supports a discretionary grant program that provides funding for States to improve the quality of crash and inspection truck and bus data reported by the States to FMCSA, as defined in Section 31102 of Title 49, United States Code. Eligible awardees can include a State agency located in one of the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To apply for funding, applicants must be registered with grants.gov. Registration with grants.gov may take two to five days before the system will allow you to apply for grants using the grants.gov Web site (https://www.grants.gov/applicants/ get_registered.jsp). Submit application in accordance with the instructions provided. Applications for grant funding must be submitted electronically to the FMCSA through the grants.gov Web site. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 number for Safety Data Improvement Program is 20.234. DATES: FMCSA will initially consider funding for applications submitted by March 31, 2007, by qualified applicants. If additional funding remains available, applications submitted after March 31, 2007 will be considered on a case-bycase basis. Funds will not be available for allocation until fiscal year 2007 appropriations legislation is passed and signed into law. Funding is subject to reductions resulting from obligation limitations or rescissions as specified in SAFETEA–LU or other legislation. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Betsy Benkowski, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Office of Research and Analysis, Analysis Division, e-mail: betsy.benkowski@.dot.gov, telephone: 202–366–5387, 400 7th Street, SW., Suite 8214, Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Issued on January 29, 2007. John H. Hill, Administrator. [FR Doc. E7–1842 Filed 2–5–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–MC–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–04–17984] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemption from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for Scott D. Goalder. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that renewing Mr. Goalder’s exemption will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemption for this commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver. DATES: This decision is effective February 25, 2007. Comments must be received on or before March 8, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket Management System (DMS) Docket Number FMCSA– E:\FR\FM\06FEN1.SGM 06FEN1 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 6, 2007 / Notices 04 17984, using any of the following methods. • Web site: https://dmses.dot.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions must include the Agency name and docket number for this notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading for further information. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// dms.dot.gov at any time or Room PL– 401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The DMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want us to notify you that we received your comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments on-line. Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the Department of Transportation’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477; Apr. 11, 2000). This information is also available at https://dms.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division, (202) 366–4001, maggi.gunnels@dot.gov FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8301, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:03 Feb 05, 2007 Jkt 211001 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Exemption Decision Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may renew an exemption from the vision requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies to drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce, for a two-year period if it finds ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.’’ The procedures for requesting an exemption (including renewals) are set out in 49 CFR part 381. This notice addresses Mr. Scott D. Goalder who has requested renewal of his exemption in a timely manner. FMCSA has evaluated his application for renewal on its merits and decided to extend the exemption for a renewable two-year period. This exemption is extended subject to the following conditions: (1) That Mr. Goalder have a physical examination every year (a) by an ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), and (b) by a medical examiner who attests that the individual is otherwise physically qualified under 49 CFR 391.41; (2) that he provide a copy of the ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s report to the medical examiner at the time of the annual medical examination; and (3) that he provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver’s qualification file and retain a copy of the certification on his/her person while driving for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. Mr. Goalder’s exemption will be valid for two years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) He fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. Basis for Renewing Exemptions Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon application for additional two-year periods. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, the 1 applicant has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (69 FR 33997; 69 FR 61292). This 1 applicant has requested timely renewal of the exemption and has submitted PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 5491 evidence showing that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the standard specified at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and that the vision impairment is stable. In addition, a review of his record of safety while driving with the vision deficiency over the past two years indicates the applicant continues to meet the vision exemption standards. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to drive safely in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for Mr. Goalder for a period of two years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Request for Comments FMCSA will review comments received at any time concerning Mr. Goalder’s safety record and determine if the continuation of the exemption is consistent with the requirements at 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. However, FMCSA requests that interested parties with specific data concerning the safety records of this driver submit comments by March 8, 2007. FMCSA believes that the requirements for a renewal of an exemption under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 can be satisfied by initially granting the renewal and then requesting and evaluating, if needed, subsequent comments submitted by interested parties. As indicated above, the Agency previously published a notice of final disposition announcing its decision to exempt Mr. Goalder (69 FR 61293; Oct. 15, 2004) from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The final decision to grant an exemption to this individual was based on the merits of his case and only after careful consideration of the comments received to its notice of application. The notice of application stated in detail the qualifications, experience, and medical condition of this applicant for an exemption from the vision requirements. That information is available by consulting the above cited Federal Register publications. Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that this driver is not currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of the driver. E:\FR\FM\06FEN1.SGM 06FEN1 5492 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 6, 2007 / Notices Issued on: January 30, 2007. Pamela M. Pelcovits, Office Director, Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7–1835 Filed 2–5–07; 8:45 am] Background BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2006–26321] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: Diabetes Mellitus and Driving Experience of the Applicants SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt sixty-six individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions are effective February 6, 2007. The exemptions expire on February 6, 2009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division, (202) 366–4001, maggi.gunnels@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Electronic Access You may see all the comments online through the Document Management System (DMS) at: https://dmses.dot.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// dms.dot.gov and/or Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments received into any of DOT’s dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, or other entity). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register (65 FR 19477, Apr. 11, 2000). This statement is also available at https://dms.dot.gov. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:03 Feb 05, 2007 Jkt 211001 On December 13, 2006, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal diabetes exemption applications from sixty-six individuals, and requested comments from the public (71 FR 74986). The public comment period closed on January 12, 2007 and no comments were received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the sixty-six applicants and determined that granting the exemptions to these individuals would achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by complying with the current regulation 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3). The Agency established the current standard for diabetes in 1970 because several risk studies indicated that diabetic drivers had a higher rate of crash involvement than the general population. The diabetes rule provides that ‘‘A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control’’ (49 CFR 391.41(b)(3)). FMCSA established its diabetes exemption program, based on the Agency’s July 2000 study entitled ‘‘A Report to Congress on the Feasibility of a Program To Qualify Individuals With Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus To Operate in Interstate Commerce as Directed by the Transportation Act for the 21st Century.’’ The report concluded that a safe and practicable protocol to allow some drivers with Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus (ITDM) to operate CMVs is feasible. The 2003 notice in conjunction with the November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777) Federal Register Notice provides the current protocol for allowing such drivers to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. These sixty-six applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 38 years. These applicants report no hypoglycemic reaction that resulted in loss of consciousness or seizure, that required the assistance of another person, or resulted in impaired cognitive function without warning symptoms in the past 5 years (with one year of stability following any such episode). In each case, an endocrinologist has verified that the driver has demonstrated willingness to properly monitor and manage their diabetes, received education related to diabetes management, and is on a stable insulin regimen. These drivers report no other disqualifying conditions, PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 including diabetes-related complications. Each meets the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The qualifications and medical condition of each applicant were stated and discussed in detail in the December 13, 2006, Federal Register Notice (71 FR 74986). Because there were no docket comments on the specific merits or qualifications of any applicant, we have not repeated the individual profiles here. Basis for Exemption Determination Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption from the diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) if the exemption is likely to achieve an equivalent or greater level of safety than would be achieved without the exemption. The exemption allows the applicants to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. To evaluate the effect of these exemptions on safety, FMCSA considered medical reports about the applicants’ ITDM and vision, and reviewed the treating endocrinologist’s medical opinion related to the ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV while using insulin. Consequently, FMCSA finds that exempting these applicants from the diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Conditions and Requirements The terms and conditions of the exemption will be provided to the applicants in the exemption document and they include the following: (1) That each individual submit a quarterly monitoring checklist completed by the treating endocrinologist as well as an annual checklist with a comprehensive medical evaluation; (2) that each individual reports within 2 business days of occurrence, all episodes of severe hypoglycemia, significant complications, or inability to manage diabetes; also, any involvement in an accident or any other adverse event in a CMV or personal vehicle, whether or not they are related to an episode of hypoglycemia; (3) that each individual provide a copy of the ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s report to the medical examiner at the time of the annual medical examination; and (4) that each individual provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver’s qualification file, or keep a copy in his/her driver’s qualification file if he/she is selfemployed. The driver must also have a copy of the certification when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized E:\FR\FM\06FEN1.SGM 06FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 6, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5490-5492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1835]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-04-17984]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemption; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemption from the 
vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 
Scott D. Goalder. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals 
from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not 
compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that renewing Mr. Goalder's 
exemption will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or 
greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemption for 
this commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver.

DATES: This decision is effective February 25, 2007. Comments must be 
received on or before March 8, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket Management 
System (DMS) Docket Number FMCSA-

[[Page 5491]]

04 17984, using any of the following methods.
     Web site: https://dmses.dot.gov. Follow the instructions 
for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the Agency name and 
docket number for this notice. Note that all comments received will be 
posted without change to https://dms.dot.gov, including any personal 
information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading for further 
information.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to https://dms.dot.gov at any time or Room PL-401 
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The DMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 
days each year. If you want us to notify you that we received your 
comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard 
or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting 
comments on-line.
    Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if 
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the Department of Transportation's complete Privacy Act 
Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 
19477; Apr. 11, 2000). This information is also available at https://
dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical 
Qualifications Division, (202) 366-4001, maggi.gunnels@dot.gov FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8301, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 
E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Exemption Decision

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may renew an exemption 
from the vision requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies to 
drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce, for a two-year period if it 
finds ``such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is 
equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent 
such exemption.'' The procedures for requesting an exemption (including 
renewals) are set out in 49 CFR part 381. This notice addresses Mr. 
Scott D. Goalder who has requested renewal of his exemption in a timely 
manner. FMCSA has evaluated his application for renewal on its merits 
and decided to extend the exemption for a renewable two-year period.
    This exemption is extended subject to the following conditions: (1) 
That Mr. Goalder have a physical examination every year (a) by an 
ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the 
better eye continues to meet the standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), and 
(b) by a medical examiner who attests that the individual is otherwise 
physically qualified under 49 CFR 391.41; (2) that he provide a copy of 
the ophthalmologist's or optometrist's report to the medical examiner 
at the time of the annual medical examination; and (3) that he provide 
a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for 
retention in the driver's qualification file and retain a copy of the 
certification on his/her person while driving for presentation to a 
duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. Mr. 
Goalder's exemption will be valid for two years unless rescinded 
earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) He fails to 
comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the 
exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained 
before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not 
be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315.

Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no 
longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon 
application for additional two-year periods. In accordance with 49 
U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, the 1 applicant has satisfied the entry 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (69 
FR 33997; 69 FR 61292). This 1 applicant has requested timely renewal 
of the exemption and has submitted evidence showing that the vision in 
the better eye continues to meet the standard specified at 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10) and that the vision impairment is stable. In addition, a 
review of his record of safety while driving with the vision deficiency 
over the past two years indicates the applicant continues to meet the 
vision exemption standards. These factors provide an adequate basis for 
predicting each driver's ability to continue to drive safely in 
interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the 
exemption for Mr. Goalder for a period of two years is likely to 
achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption.

Request for Comments

    FMCSA will review comments received at any time concerning Mr. 
Goalder's safety record and determine if the continuation of the 
exemption is consistent with the requirements at 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315. However, FMCSA requests that interested parties with specific 
data concerning the safety records of this driver submit comments by 
March 8, 2007.
    FMCSA believes that the requirements for a renewal of an exemption 
under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 can be satisfied by initially 
granting the renewal and then requesting and evaluating, if needed, 
subsequent comments submitted by interested parties. As indicated 
above, the Agency previously published a notice of final disposition 
announcing its decision to exempt Mr. Goalder (69 FR 61293; Oct. 15, 
2004) from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The final 
decision to grant an exemption to this individual was based on the 
merits of his case and only after careful consideration of the comments 
received to its notice of application. The notice of application stated 
in detail the qualifications, experience, and medical condition of this 
applicant for an exemption from the vision requirements. That 
information is available by consulting the above cited Federal Register 
publications.
    Interested parties or organizations possessing information that 
would otherwise show that this driver is not currently achieving the 
statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency 
will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being 
compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent 
with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA 
will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of the driver.

[[Page 5492]]


    Issued on: January 30, 2007.
Pamela M. Pelcovits,
Office Director, Policy and Program Development.
 [FR Doc. E7-1835 Filed 2-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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