Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision, 52422-52424 [E7-18083]

Download as PDF 52422 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 177 / Thursday, September 13, 2007 / Notices (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136 and 31315. Issued on: September 7, 2007. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7–18074 Filed 9–12–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–05–21254] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Renewals; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: SUMMARY: FMCSA previously announced its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 13 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has reviewed the comments submitted in response to the previous announcement and concluded that granting these exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W64– 224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Electronic Access You may see all the comments online through the Document Management System (DMS) at https://dmses.dot.gov. ebenthall on PRODPC61 with NOTICES Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption for a 2year 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 statutes also allow the Agency to renew exemptions VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:29 Sep 12, 2007 Jkt 211001 at the end of the 2-year period. The Notice was published on July 24, 2007. The comment period ended on August 23, 2007. Discussion of Comments BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P FMCSA received one comment in this proceeding. The comment was considered and discussed below. Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) expressed opposition to FMCSA’s policy to grant exemptions from the FMCSR, including the driver qualification standards. Specifically, Advocates: (1) Objects to the manner in which FMCSA presents driver information to the public and makes safety determinations; (2) objects to the Agency’s reliance on conclusions drawn from the vision waiver program; (3) claims the Agency has misinterpreted statutory language on the granting of exemptions (49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315); and finally (4) suggests that a 1999 Supreme Court decision affects the legal validity of vision exemptions. The issues raised by Advocates were addressed at length in 64 FR 51568 (September 23, 1999), 64 FR 66962 (November 30, 1999), 64 FR 69586 (December 13, 1999), 65 FR 159 (January 3, 2000), 65 FR 57230 (September 21, 2000), and 66 FR 13825 (March 7, 2001). We will not address these points again here, but refer interested parties to those earlier discussions. Conclusion The Agency has not received any adverse evidence on any of these drivers that indicates that safety is being compromised. Based upon its evaluation of the 13 renewal applications, FMCSA renews the Federal vision exemptions for George L. Cannon, Anthony Ciancone, Jr., Andrew B. Clayton, Kenneth D. Daniels, Allen R. Fasen, William D. Hodgins, Hazel L. Hopkins, Jr., Donald M. Jenson, Dean A. Maystead, Jason L. McBride, Sr., Donald L. Murphy, Carl V. Murphy, Sr., and Thomas D. Reynolds. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each renewal exemption will be valid for 2 years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if: (1) The person 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 and 31315. PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Issued on: September 7, 2007. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7–18078 Filed 9–12–07; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–98–4334, FMCSA–99– 5578, FMCSA–00–7363, FMCSA–00–7918, FMCSA–01–9258, FMCSA–01–9561, FMCSA–03–14504, FMCSA–03–15268, FMCSA–05–20027, FMCSA–05–21254] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 25 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. DATES: This decision is effective September 23, 2007. Comments must be received on or before October 15, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Department of Transportation (DOT) Docket Management System (DMS) Docket Numbers FMCSA–98–4334, FMCSA– 99–5578, FMCSA–00–7363, FMCSA– 00–7918, FMCSA–01–9258, FMCSA– 01–9561, FMCSA–03–14504, FMCSA– 03–15268, FMCSA–05–20027, FMCSA– 05–21254, using any of the following methods. • DOT Web site: https://dmses.dot.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 E:\FR\FM\13SEN1.SGM 13SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 177 / Thursday, September 13, 2007 / Notices p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Each submission must include the Agency name and docket numbers for this Notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change to https://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information included. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https://dms.dot.gov at any time or Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 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 acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, 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, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W64– 224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ebenthall on PRODPC61 with NOTICES Background 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:29 Sep 12, 2007 Jkt 211001 Exemption Decision This notice addresses 25 individuals who have requested a renewal of their exemption in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 25 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Linda L. Billings John A. Chizmar Ronald D. Danberry Weldon R. Evans Richard L. Gagnebin Orasio Garcia Leslie W. Good Chester L. Gray James P. Guth Rayford R. Harper Britt D. Hazelwood Joseph V. Johns Robert C. Leathers Michael S. Maki Mark D. Page Kenneth A. Reddick Leonard Rice, Jr. Juan M. Rosas Richard C. Simms James T. Sullivan Thomas J. Sweeny, Jr. Steven C. Thomas Edward A. Vanderhei Larry J. Waldner Kevin L. Wickard These exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) That each individual 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 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 (3) that each individual 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. Each exemption will be valid for two years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person 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, each of the 25 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52423 requirements (63 FR 66226; 64 FR 16517; 66 FR 41656; 68 FR 44837; 70 FR 41811; 68 FR 54775; 70 FR 53412; 64 FR 27027; 64 FR 51568; 66 FR 48504; 65 FR 45817; 65 FR 77066; 68 FR 10300; 70 FR 42615; 65 FR 66286; 66 FR 13825; 66 FR 17743; 66 FR 33990; 68 FR 35772; 66 FR 30502; 66 FR 41654; 68 FR 19598; 68 FR 33570; 68 FR 37197; 68 FR 48989; 70 FR 2701; 70 FR 16887; 70 FR 30999; 70 FR 46567). Each of these 25 applicants has requested 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 October 15, 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 25 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. E:\FR\FM\13SEN1.SGM 13SEN1 52424 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 177 / Thursday, September 13, 2007 / Notices Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would 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: September 7, 2007. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7–18083 Filed 9–12–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket Nos. FMCSA–01–9258, FMCSA–01– 9561, FMCSA–03–14504, FMCSA–03–15268] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Renewals; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. AGENCY: ACTION: Notice of final disposition. SUMMARY: FMCSA previously announced its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 22 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has reviewed the comments submitted in response to the previous announcement and concluded that granting these exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W64– 224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. ebenthall on PRODPC61 with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:29 Sep 12, 2007 Jkt 211001 Electronic Access You may see all the comments online through the Document Management System (DMS) at https://dmses.dot.gov. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption for a 2year 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 statutes also allow the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the 2-year period. The Notice was published on July 24, 2007. The comment period ended on August 23, 2007. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received one comment in these proceedings. The comment was considered and discussed below. Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) expressed opposition to FMCSA’s policy to grant exemptions from the FMCSR, including the driver qualification standards. Specifically, Advocates: (1) Objects to the manner in which FMCSA presents driver information to the public and makes safety determinations; (2) objects to the Agency’s reliance on conclusions drawn from the vision waiver program; (3) claims the Agency has misinterpreted statutory language on the granting of exemptions (49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315); and finally (4) suggests that a 1999 Supreme Court decision affects the legal validity of vision exemptions. The issues raised by Advocates were addressed at length in 64 FR 51568 (September 23, 1999), 64 FR 66962 (November 30, 1999), 64 FR 69586 (December 13, 1999), 65 FR 159 (January 3, 2000), 65 FR 57230 (September 21, 2000), and 66 FR 13825 (March 7, 2001). We will not address these points again here, but refer interested parties to those earlier discussions. Conclusion The Agency has not received any adverse evidence on any of these drivers that indicates that safety is being compromised. Based upon its evaluation of the 22 renewal applications, FMCSA renews the Federal vision exemptions for Morris R. Beebe, II, William V. Beekler, James A. Busbin, Jr., Domenic J. Carassai, Fred W. Duran, Kenneth J. Fisk, Bruce E. Hemmer, Steven P. Holden, Russell R. Inlow, Christopher G. Jarvela, Donald L. Jensen, Darrell D. Kropf, Brad L. Mathna, Vincent P. Miller, Warren J. Nyland, Dennis M. Prevas, Greg L. Riles, Calvin D. Tomlinson, Wesley E. Turner, PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Mona J. Van Krieken, John W. Williams, and Paul S. Yocum. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each renewal exemption will be valid for 2 years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if: (1) The person 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 and 31315. Issued on: September 7, 2007. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7–18085 Filed 9–12–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2005–21324] Pre-Trip Safety Information for Motorcoach Passengers Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FMCSA announces guidance to the motorcoach industry in response to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations for providing pre-trip safety information to motorcoach passengers. The NTSB recommended that the Agency require and develop minimum guidelines for pre-trip safety information to be provided by motorcoach companies to passengers. The FMCSA, in conjunction with stakeholders, developed a basic plan for motorcoach companies to implement a safety-awareness program for passengers. The goals of this initiative are to develop passenger safety-awareness guidelines suited for diverse motorcoach operational types and to encourage their adoption. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Peter Chandler, Commercial Passenger Carrier Safety Division (MC–ECP), 202– 366–5763. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Docket For access to the docket to read background documents or the comments received, go to https://dms.dot.gov at any time or to the Docket Management Facility, Room W12–140, 1200 New E:\FR\FM\13SEN1.SGM 13SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 177 (Thursday, September 13, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52422-52424]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-18083]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-98-4334, FMCSA-99-5578, FMCSA-00-7363, FMCSA-00-7918, 
FMCSA-01-9258, FMCSA-01-9561, FMCSA-03-14504, FMCSA-03-15268, FMCSA-05-
20027, FMCSA-05-21254]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

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

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the 
vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 
25 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals 
from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not 
compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these 
exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent 
to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the 
exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

DATES: This decision is effective September 23, 2007. Comments must be 
received on or before October 15, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Department of 
Transportation (DOT) Docket Management System (DMS) Docket Numbers 
FMCSA-98-4334, FMCSA-99-5578, FMCSA-00-7363, FMCSA-00-7918, FMCSA-01-
9258, FMCSA-01-9561, FMCSA-03-14504, FMCSA-03-15268, FMCSA-05-20027, 
FMCSA-05-21254, using any of the following methods.
     DOT Web site: https://dmses.dot.gov. Follow the on-line 
instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building, Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground level of the 
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5

[[Page 52423]]

p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
    Each submission must include the Agency name and docket numbers for 
this Notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change 
to https://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information included. 
Please see the Privacy Act heading below.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to https://dms.dot.gov at any time or Room W12-140 on the 
ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
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 acknowledgment 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, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W64-
224, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 
p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    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.

Exemption Decision

    This notice addresses 25 individuals who have requested a renewal 
of their exemption in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has 
evaluated these 25 applications for renewal on their merits and decided 
to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are:


Linda L. Billings                         Mark D. Page
John A. Chizmar                           Kenneth A. Reddick
Ronald D. Danberry                        Leonard Rice, Jr.
Weldon R. Evans                           Juan M. Rosas
Richard L. Gagnebin                       Richard C. Simms
Orasio Garcia                             James T. Sullivan
Leslie W. Good                            Thomas J. Sweeny, Jr.
Chester L. Gray                           Steven C. Thomas
James P. Guth                             Edward A. Vanderhei
Rayford R. Harper                         Larry J. Waldner
Britt D. Hazelwood                        Kevin L. Wickard
Joseph V. Johns
Robert C. Leathers
Michael S. Maki
 

    These exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) That each individual 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 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 (3) 
that each individual 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. Each exemption will be valid for two years unless rescinded 
earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person 
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, each of the 25 applicants has satisfied the 
entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision 
requirements (63 FR 66226; 64 FR 16517; 66 FR 41656; 68 FR 44837; 70 FR 
41811; 68 FR 54775; 70 FR 53412; 64 FR 27027; 64 FR 51568; 66 FR 48504; 
65 FR 45817; 65 FR 77066; 68 FR 10300; 70 FR 42615; 65 FR 66286; 66 FR 
13825; 66 FR 17743; 66 FR 33990; 68 FR 35772; 66 FR 30502; 66 FR 41654; 
68 FR 19598; 68 FR 33570; 68 FR 37197; 68 FR 48989; 70 FR 2701; 70 FR 
16887; 70 FR 30999; 70 FR 46567). Each of these 25 applicants has 
requested 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 October 15, 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 25 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.

[[Page 52424]]

    Interested parties or organizations possessing information that 
would 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: September 7, 2007.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development.
 [FR Doc. E7-18083 Filed 9-12-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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