Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision, 57553-57554 [E9-26780]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES6 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 214 / Friday, November 6, 2009 / Notices and vehicular traffic than exists on interstate highways. Faster reaction to traffic and traffic signals is generally required because distances between them are more compact. These conditions tax visual capacity and driver response just as intensely as interstate driving conditions. The veteran drivers in this proceeding have operated CMVs safely under those conditions for at least 3 years, most for much longer. Their experience and driving records lead us to believe that each applicant is capable of operating in interstate commerce as safely as he/she has been performing in intrastate commerce. Consequently, FMCSA finds that exempting these applicants from the vision standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. For this reason, the Agency is granting the exemptions for the 2-year period allowed by 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to the 27 applicants listed in the notice of August 26, 2009 (74 FR 43217). We recognize that the vision of an applicant may change and affect his/her ability to operate a CMV as safely as in the past. As a condition of the exemption, therefore, FMCSA will impose requirements on the 40 individuals consistent with the grandfathering provisions applied to drivers who participated in the Agency’s vision waiver program. Those requirements are found at 49 CFR 391.64(b) and include the following: (1) That each individual be physically examined 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, 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 Federal, State, or local enforcement official. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received one comment in this proceeding. The comment was considered and discussed below. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation expressed that it had VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:23 Nov 05, 2009 Jkt 220001 reviewed the driving records for Benjamin Sauder and was in favor of granting a Federal vision exemption to him. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 27 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts: Martin Anaya, Gregory G. Barthell, Donald R. Beauchesne, John E. Bell, Richard J. Decker, James E. Fix, Dean A. Gary, James P. Greene, Larry L. Harris, Roger D. Kloss, Steven R. Lechtenberg, Oscar N. Lefferts, David C. Lyles, Jesse R. McClary, Sr., Ignar L. Meyer, James C. Miller, Norman V. Myers, Steven D. O’Donnell, Benjamin R. Sauder, Mark L. Simmons, Don W. Smith, Robert E. Smith, Robert E. Soto, Jerry W. Stanfill, Charles M. Thomas, Roger L. Unser, and Virgil E. Walker from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above (49 CFR 391.64(b)). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each 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. If the exemption is still effective at the end of the 2-year period, the person may apply to FMCSA for a renewal under procedures in effect at that time. Issued on: October 30, 2009. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E9–26779 Filed 11–5–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–1999–5578; FMCSA– 2005–21711; FMCSA–2007–27897; FMCSA– 2007–28695; FMCSA–2007–29019] 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 23 PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 57553 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 November 28, 2009. Comments must be received on or before December 7, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA– 1999–5578; FMCSA–2005–21711; FMCSA–2007–27897; FMCSA–2007– 28695; FMCSA–2007–29019, 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. 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 E:\FR\FM\06NON1.SGM 06NON1 57554 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 214 / Friday, November 6, 2009 / Notices 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 19476). This information is also available at https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical Programs, (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. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES6 Exemption Decision This notice addresses 23 individuals who have requested a renewal of their exemption in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 23 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Robert W. Bequeaith, William R. Braun, Lloyd K. Brown, Kecia D. ClarkWelch, Tommy R. Crouse, Ben W. Davis, Charles A. DeKnikker, Sr., Earl M. Frederick, Loren H. Geiken, John N. Guilford, John E. Halcomb, Rayford R. Harper, Michael A. Hershberger, Patrick J. Hogan, Todd A. McBrain, Richard K. Mell, Amilton T. Monteiro, David G. Oakley, John S. Olsen, Robert G. Owens, Nathan D. Peterson, Thomas J. Prusik, Glen W. Sterling. 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 VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:23 Nov 05, 2009 Jkt 220001 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 23 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (64 FR 27027; 64 FR 51568; 66 FR 48504; 68 FR 54775; 70 FR 53412; 72 FR 52422; 70 FR 48797; 70 FR 61493; 72 FR 64273; 72 FR 39879; 72 FR 52419; 72 FR 46261; 72 FR 54972; 72 FR 58362; 72 FR 67344). Each of these 23 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 PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 drivers submit comments by December 7, 2009. 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 23 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 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: October 30, 2009. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E9–26780 Filed 11–5–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2007–28695] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Renewals; Vision AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. 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 12 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement E:\FR\FM\06NON1.SGM 06NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 214 (Friday, November 6, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57553-57554]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-26780]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-1999-5578; FMCSA-2005-21711; FMCSA-2007-27897; FMCSA-
2007-28695; FMCSA-2007-29019]


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 
23 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 November 28, 2009. Comments must be 
received on or before December 7, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-1999-5578; FMCSA-2005-21711; 
FMCSA-2007-27897; FMCSA-2007-28695; FMCSA-2007-29019, 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.
    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

[[Page 57554]]

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 19476). This 
information is also available at https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Director, Medical 
Programs, (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 23 individuals who have requested a renewal 
of their exemption in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has 
evaluated these 23 applications for renewal on their merits and decided 
to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are:
    Robert W. Bequeaith, William R. Braun, Lloyd K. Brown, Kecia D. 
Clark-Welch, Tommy R. Crouse, Ben W. Davis, Charles A. DeKnikker, Sr., 
Earl M. Frederick, Loren H. Geiken, John N. Guilford, John E. Halcomb, 
Rayford R. Harper, Michael A. Hershberger, Patrick J. Hogan, Todd A. 
McBrain, Richard K. Mell, Amilton T. Monteiro, David G. Oakley, John S. 
Olsen, Robert G. Owens, Nathan D. Peterson, Thomas J. Prusik, Glen W. 
Sterling.
    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 23 applicants has satisfied the 
entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision 
requirements (64 FR 27027; 64 FR 51568; 66 FR 48504; 68 FR 54775; 70 FR 
53412; 72 FR 52422; 70 FR 48797; 70 FR 61493; 72 FR 64273; 72 FR 39879; 
72 FR 52419; 72 FR 46261; 72 FR 54972; 72 FR 58362; 72 FR 67344). Each 
of these 23 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 December 7, 2009.
    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 23 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 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: October 30, 2009.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development.
[FR Doc. E9-26780 Filed 11-5-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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