Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision, 71993-71995 [E7-24549]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 19, 2007 / Notices potentially crossing several streams and floodplains. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this program.) Issued on: December 12, 2007. Peggy J. Casey, Environmental Project Engineer, Jefferson City. [FR Doc. E7–24572 Filed 12–18–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration National Safe Routes to School Task Force to the Secretary of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of meeting of advisory committee. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document announces a meeting of the National Safe Routes to School Task Force to the Secretary of Transportation. This is the fifth meeting of the Task Force. The purpose of the Task Force is to advise the Secretary of Transportation, through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Safety, on strategies to advance Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programs nationwide and to encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school pursuant to section 1404(h) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU) (Pub. L. 109–59, Aug. 10, 2005). The meeting is open to the public and will have time allocated for public testimony. The public is welcome to present written or oral comments to the Task Force. DATES: The fifth meeting of the Task Force is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., m.t., on January 23, 2008, and for 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., m.t., on January 24, 2008. ADDRESSES: The fifth meeting will be held at the Wyndham Phoenix Hotel, 50 East Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Tim Arnade, the Designated Federal Official, Safe Routes to School Program Manager, FHWA Office of Safety Programs, (202) 366–2205, Tim.Arnade@dot.gov; Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 20590. VerDate Aug<31>2005 21:40 Dec 18, 2007 Jkt 214001 71993 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Background Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Section 1404 of SAFETEA–LU required the Secretary of Transportation to establish a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program. The purpose of the program is to enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school and to make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative. Section 1404(h) requires the establishment of a National SRTS Task Force. This meeting is the fifth meeting of the Task Force. The first two meetings were held in Washington, DC; the first was held on January 11, 2007, and the second was held on April 19, 2007. The third meeting was held in Denver, CO, on September 25–26, 2007. The fourth meeting was held in Washington, DC, on November 15–16, 2007. Complete meeting minutes from the previous meetings are posted on the Web site listed below. The agenda for the fifth meeting will include discussion of a draft report to the Secretary of Transportation about national strategies to advance SRTS programs nationwide. Public comments will be taken at approximately 2:45 p.m., m.t., on January 23, 2008. Further information about the Task Force can be found at https://www.saferoutesinfo.org/ task_force/. Once a detailed agenda is developed, it will be posted on this Web site. Please note that agenda items are subject to change as priorities dictate. Conclusion The fifth meeting of the National Safe Routes to School Task Force will be held at the Wyndham Phoenix Hotel, 50 East Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., m.t., on January 23, 2008, and from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., m.t., on January 24, 2008. Authority: Section 1404(h), Pub. L. 109–59; 5 U.S.C., App. II section 1. Issued on: December 7, 2007. J. Richard Capka, Federal Highway Administrator. [FR Doc. E7–24578 Filed 12–18–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [Docket No. FMCSA–99–5578, FMCSA–99– 6480, FMCSA–00–7363, FMCSA–01–10578, FMCSA–02–11426, FMCSA–05–21711, FMCSA–05–22194] 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 26 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. This decision is effective December 27, 2007. Comments must be received on or before January 18, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA–99– 5578, FMCSA–99–6480, FMCSA–00– 7363, FMCSA–01–10578, FMCSA–02– 11426, FMCSA–05–21711, FMCSA–05– 22194, using any of the following methods. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • 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 or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number for this Notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. DATES: E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1 71994 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 19, 2007 / Notices Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.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 FDMS 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 DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78; Apr. 11, 2000). This information is also available at https:// DocketInfo.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: mstockstill on PROD1PC66 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. Exemption Decision This notice addresses 26 individuals who have requested a renewal of their exemption in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 26 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Bruce W. Barrett Anthony Brandano VerDate Aug<31>2005 21:46 Dec 18, 2007 Jkt 214001 Stanley E. Elliott Elmer E. Gockley Glenn T. Hehner Edward E. Hooker Vladimir Kats Alfred Keehn Martin D. Keough Randall B. Laminack Norman R. Lamy Robert W. Lantis James A. Lenhart Dennis L. Lockhart, Sr. Jerry J. Lord Raymond P. Madron Ronald S. Mallory Eldon Miles Jack E. Potts, Jr. Neal A. Richard John E. Rogstad Rene R. Trachsel John H. Voigts Kendle F. Waggle, Jr. DeWayne Washington Daniel G. Wilson 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 26 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 requirements (64 FR 27027; 64 FR 51568; 66 FR 63289; 68 FR 64944; 70 FR 67776; 64 FR 68195; 65 FR 20251; 68 FR 54775; 70 FR 53412; 65 FR 45817; 65 FR 77066; 67 FR 71610; 70 FR 25878; 66 FR 53826; 66 FR 66966; 68 FR 69434; 70 FR 74102; 70 FR 48797; 70 FR 61493; 70 FR 57353; 70 FR 72689; 67 FR 10471; 67 FR 19798; 69 FR 19611). Each of these 26 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 January 18, 2008. 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 26 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 E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 19, 2007 / Notices 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: December 12, 2007. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7–24549 Filed 12–18–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–99–5748, FMCSA–99– 6156, FMCSA–01–10578, FMCSA–05–22194] 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 12 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. This decision is effective January 3, 2008. Comments must be received on or before January 18, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA–99– 5748, FMCSA–99–6156, FMCSA–01– 10578, FMCSA–05–22194, using any of the following methods. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 21:46 Dec 18, 2007 Jkt 214001 Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number for this Notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.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 FDMS 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 DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78; Apr. 11, 2000). This information is also available at https:// DocketInfo.dot.gov. 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: 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 PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 71995 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 12 individuals who have requested a renewal of their exemption in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 12 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Woodrow E. Bohley Kenneth E. Bross Russell W. Foster Kevin Jacoby Richard L. Loeffelholz Herman C. Mash Frank T. Miller Martin Postma Robert G. Rascicot Stephen G. Sniffin Jon H. Wurtele Walter M. Yohn, Jr. 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 E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 243 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71993-71995]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-24549]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-99-5578, FMCSA-99-6480, FMCSA-00-7363, FMCSA-01-
10578, FMCSA-02-11426, FMCSA-05-21711, FMCSA-05-22194]


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 
26 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 December 27, 2007. Comments must be 
received on or before January 18, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-99-5578, FMCSA-99-6480, FMCSA-
00-7363, FMCSA-01-10578, FMCSA-02-11426, FMCSA-05-21711, FMCSA-05-
22194, using any of the following methods.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting 
comments.
     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 or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number 
for this Notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without 
change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal 
information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading 
below.

[[Page 71994]]

    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to https://www.regulations.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 FDMS 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 DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78; Apr. 11, 2000). 
This information is also available at https://DocketInfo.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 26 individuals who have requested a renewal 
of their exemption in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has 
evaluated these 26 applications for renewal on their merits and decided 
to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are:

Bruce W. Barrett
Anthony Brandano
Stanley E. Elliott
Elmer E. Gockley
Glenn T. Hehner
Edward E. Hooker
Vladimir Kats
Alfred Keehn
Martin D. Keough
Randall B. Laminack
Norman R. Lamy
Robert W. Lantis
James A. Lenhart
Dennis L. Lockhart, Sr.
Jerry J. Lord
Raymond P. Madron
Ronald S. Mallory
Eldon Miles
Jack E. Potts, Jr.
Neal A. Richard
John E. Rogstad
Rene R. Trachsel
John H. Voigts
Kendle F. Waggle, Jr.
DeWayne Washington
Daniel G. Wilson

    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 26 applicants has satisfied the 
entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision 
requirements (64 FR 27027; 64 FR 51568; 66 FR 63289; 68 FR 64944; 70 FR 
67776; 64 FR 68195; 65 FR 20251; 68 FR 54775; 70 FR 53412; 65 FR 45817; 
65 FR 77066; 67 FR 71610; 70 FR 25878; 66 FR 53826; 66 FR 66966; 68 FR 
69434; 70 FR 74102; 70 FR 48797; 70 FR 61493; 70 FR 57353; 70 FR 72689; 
67 FR 10471; 67 FR 19798; 69 FR 19611). Each of these 26 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 January 18, 2008.
    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 26 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

[[Page 71995]]

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: December 12, 2007.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development.
 [FR Doc. E7-24549 Filed 12-18-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.