Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision, 45750-45753 [2018-19581]

Download as PDF 45750 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Notices daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES range of 6 to 39 years. Although each applicant has one eye which does not meet the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), each has at least 20/40 corrected vision in the other eye, and in a doctor’s opinion, has sufficient vision to perform all the tasks necessary to operate a CMV. Doctors’ opinions are supported by the applicants’ possession of a valid license to operate a CMV. By meeting State licensing requirements, the applicants demonstrated their ability to operate a CMV, with their limited vision in intrastate commerce, even though their vision disqualified them from driving in interstate commerce. We believe that the applicants’ intrastate driving experience and history provide an adequate basis for predicting their ability to drive safely in interstate commerce. Intrastate driving, like interstate operations, involves substantial driving on highways on the interstate system and on other roads built to interstate standards. Moreover, driving in congested urban areas exposes the driver to more pedestrian 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 applicants in this notice have driven CMVs with their limited vision in careers ranging for 3 to 80 years. In the past three years, two drivers were involved in crashes, and no drivers were convicted of moving violations in CMVs. All the applicants achieved a record of safety while driving with their vision impairment, demonstrating the likelihood that they have adapted their driving skills to accommodate their condition. As the applicants’ ample driving histories with their vision deficiencies are good predictors of future performance, FMCSA concludes their ability to drive safely can be projected into the future. Consequently, FMCSA finds that in each case exempting these applicants from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. V. Conditions and Requirements The terms and conditions of the exemption are provided to the applicants in the exemption document and includes the following: (1) Each driver must be physically examined every year (a) by an ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:54 Sep 07, 2018 Jkt 244001 standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and (b) by a certified Medical Examiner who attests that the individual is otherwise physically qualified under 49 CFR 391.41; (2) each driver must 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) each driver must 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 self-employed. The driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. VI. Preemption During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. VII. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 12 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts the following drivers from the vision requirement, 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above: Mark F. Besco (IA) William T. Cummins (KY) Aaron L. Fox (OH) Ryan N. Goyne (AR) Eric M. Kohrs (IL) Michael P. Mazza (WA) James L. Okonek (WI) Jeffrey S. Rockhill (KS) Travis D. Summerville (IL) Lora D. Swindall (AL) Francis J. Toth (PA) Joseph A. Zaccaro (AL) In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be valid for two years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (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 prior to being 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: August 30, 2018. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2018–19579 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P PO 00000 Frm 00157 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0017] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 12 individuals for an exemption from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions will enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce without meeting the vision requirement in one eye. DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 10, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– 2018–0017 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 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: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number(s) for this notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below for further information. 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., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\10SEN1.SGM 10SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Notices acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments online. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to https://www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.dot.gov/ privacy. Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs 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 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: I. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption from the FMCSRs for a five-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 statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the five-year period. FMCSA grants exemptions from the FMCSRs for a twoyear period to align with the maximum duration of a driver’s medical certification. The 12 individuals listed in this notice have requested an exemption from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant to determine whether granting an exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by statute. The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding vision found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person has distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separately corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) or better with corrective lenses, distant binocular acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without corrective lenses, field of vision of at least 70° in the horizontal VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:54 Sep 07, 2018 Jkt 244001 Meridian in each eye, and the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber. In July 1992, the Agency first published the criteria for the Vision Waiver Program, which listed the conditions and reporting standards that CMV drivers approved for participation would need to meet (Qualification of Drivers; Vision Waivers, 57 FR 31458, July 16, 1992). The current Vision Exemption Program was established in 1998, following the enactment of amendments to the statutes governing exemptions made by § 4007 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA–21), Public Law 105–178, 112 Stat. 107, 401 (June 9, 1998). Vision exemptions are considered under the procedures established in 49 CFR part 381 subpart C, on a case-by-case basis upon application by CMV drivers who do not meet the vision standards of 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). To qualify for an exemption from the vision requirement, FMCSA requires a person to present verifiable evidence that he/she has driven a commercial vehicle safely with the vision deficiency for the past three years. Recent driving performance is especially important in evaluating future safety, according to several research studies designed to correlate past and future driving performance. Results of these studies support the principle that the best predictor of future performance by a driver is his/her past record of crashes and traffic violations. Copies of the studies may be found at Docket Number FMCSA–1998–3637. FMCSA believes it can properly apply the principle to monocular drivers, because data from the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) former waiver study program clearly demonstrated the driving performance of experienced monocular drivers in the program is better than that of all CMV drivers collectively (See 61 FR 13338, 13345, March 26, 1996). The fact that experienced monocular drivers demonstrated safe driving records in the waiver program supports a conclusion that other monocular drivers, meeting the same qualifying conditions as those required by the waiver program, are also likely to have adapted to their vision deficiency and will continue to operate safely. The first major research correlating past and future performance was done in England by Greenwood and Yule in 1920. Subsequent studies, building on that model, concluded that crash rates for the same individual exposed to certain risks for two different time periods vary only slightly (See Bates PO 00000 Frm 00158 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 45751 and Neyman, University of California Publications in Statistics, April 1952). Other studies demonstrated theories of predicting crash proneness from crash history coupled with other factors. These factors—such as age, sex, geographic location, mileage driven and conviction history—are used every day by insurance companies and motor vehicle bureaus to predict the probability of an individual experiencing future crashes (See Weber, Donald C., ‘‘Accident Rate Potential: An Application of Multiple Regression Analysis of a Poisson Process,’’ Journal of American Statistical Association, June 1971). A 1964 California Driver Record Study prepared by the California Department of Motor Vehicles concluded that the best overall crash predictor for both concurrent and nonconcurrent events is the number of single convictions. This study used three consecutive years of data, comparing the experiences of drivers in the first two years with their experiences in the final year. II. Qualifications of Applicants John A. Edison Mr. Edison, 66, has had a macular scar in his left eye since 2001. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20, and in his left eye, 20/80. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ‘‘With both eyes working together, Mr. Edison has sufficient vision to operate and drive a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Edison reported that he has driven straight trucks for 50 years, accumulating 600,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 20 years, accumulating 1.92 million miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Georgia. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Rodney P. Hains Mr. Hains, 58, has had a retinal detachment in his left eye since 2003. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/ 15, and in his left eye, no light perception. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ‘‘Based on that history and experience it would appear to me that he has sufficient visual capability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Hains reported that he has driven straight trucks for five years, accumulating 5,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 20 years, accumulating 1.4 million miles. He holds a Class A CDL from North Dakota. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no E:\FR\FM\10SEN1.SGM 10SEN1 45752 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Notices convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Darryl D. Kelley Mr. Kelley, 46, has had a macular hole in his right eye since childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/100, and in his left eye, 20/25. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ‘‘My medical opinion is that he has sufficient vision to perform all driving tasks for a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Kelley reported that he has driven buses for 23 years, accumulating 1.42 million miles. He holds a Class B CDL from Texas. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Thomas J. Knapp Mr. Knapp, 58, has had amblyopia in his left eye since birth. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/15, and in his left eye, 20/150. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ‘‘It is my professional opinion that Mr [sic] Knapp has sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Knapp reported that he has driven buses for three years, accumulating 60,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Washington. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES Darrell D. Kropf Mr. Kropf, 43, has had amblyopia in his left eye since childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20, and in his left eye, 20/400. Following an examination in 2018, his ophthalmologist stated, ‘‘In my opinion the patient has sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Kropf reported that he has driven tractor-trailer combinations for 21 years, accumulating 945,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from California. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Nathanael Lee Mr. Lee, 22, has had amblyopia in his left eye since childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20, and in his left eye, 20/400. Following an examination in 2018, his ophthalmologist stated, ‘‘In my opinion he does have sufficient vision and is well adapted to his vision in order to operate a commercial vehicle for driving tasks.’’ Mr. Lee reported that he has driven straight trucks for two years, accumulating 9,000 miles, and tractor- VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:54 Sep 07, 2018 Jkt 244001 trailer combinations for three years, accumulating 75,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Minnesota. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. John G. Mudd Mr. Mudd, 53, had his left eye enucleated due to a traumatic incident in 2015. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20, and in his left eye, no light perception. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ‘‘Mr. Mudd has sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Mudd reported that he has driven straight trucks for five years, accumulating 50,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for five years, accumulating 75,000 miles. He holds a Class DA CDL from Kentucky. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Jeffrey Ridenhour Mr. Ridenhour, 48, has a macular scar in his right eye due to a traumatic incident in 1998. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/80, and in his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ‘‘In my medical opinion, Mr. Ridenhour has sufficient enough vision to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Ridenhour reported that he has driven tractortrailer combinations for four years, accumulating 32,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Arkansas. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. John R. Russ II Mr. Russ, 71, has a prosthetic left eye due to a traumatic incident in 2010. The visual acuity in his right eye is no light perception, and in his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2018, his ophthalmologist stated, ‘‘In my opinion, his vision in the left eye is sufficient to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Russ reported that he has driven straight trucks for 45 years, accumulating 675,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 35 years, accumulating 350,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from North Carolina. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Gary A. Ulitsch Mr. Ulitsch, 64, has had amblyopia in his left eye since birth. The visual acuity PO 00000 Frm 00159 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 in his right eye is 20/25, and in his left eye, 20/160. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ‘‘In my medical opinion, he has vision sufficient [sic] to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Ulitsch reported that he has driven straight trucks for 46 years, accumulating 460,000 miles. He holds an operator’s license from Connecticut. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Casey O. Wootan Mr. Wootan, 48, has had amblyopia in his left eye since childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/15, and in his left eye, 20/200. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ‘‘In my medical opinion, Casey Wootan has sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Wootan reported that he has driven straight trucks for 20 years, accumulating 100,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 15 years, accumulating 600,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Montana. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. James C. Wright Mr. Wright, 42, has a retinal scar in his right eye due to a traumatic incident in 2008. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/200, and in his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ‘‘Mr. Wright’s condition is stable and I feel he should be able to operate a commercial vehicle safely without correction.’’ Mr. Wright reported that he has driven straight trucks for ten years, accumulating 50,000 miles. He holds a Class B CDL from Minnesota. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. III. Request for Comments In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA requests public comment from all interested persons on the exemption petitions described in this notice. We will consider all comments and material received before the close of business on the closing date indicated in the dates section of the notice. IV. Submitting Comments You may submit your comments and material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a mailing E:\FR\FM\10SEN1.SGM 10SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2018 / Notices address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so that FMCSA can contact you if there are questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA–2018–0017 and click the search button. When the new screen appears, click on the blue ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button on the right hand side of the page. On the new page, enter information required including the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and materials received during the comment period. FMCSA may issue a final determination at any time after the close of the comment period. V. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this preamble, go to https://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA–2018–0017 and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, click ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ and you will find all documents and comments related to this notice. Issued on: August 30, 2018 Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2018–19581 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0328] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 3 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf SUMMARY: 17:54 Sep 07, 2018 I. Electronic Access You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document Management System (FDMS) at: https:// www.regulations.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov and/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., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to https://www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.dot.gov/ privacy. II. Background DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION VerDate Sep<11>2014 individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions were applicable on May 18, 2018. The exemptions expire on May 18, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs 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., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Jkt 244001 On June 18, 2018, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for 3 individuals from the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and requested comments from the public (83 FR 28319). The public comment period ended on July 18, 2018, and no comments were received. As stated in the previous notice, FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and determined that renewing these exemptions 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)(11). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a PO 00000 Frm 00160 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 45753 person is physically qualified to driver a CMV if that person first perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5–1951. 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) was adopted in 1970, with a revision in 1971 to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971). III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received no comments in this preceding. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 3 renewal exemption applications, FMCSA announces its’ decision to exempt the following drivers from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41 (b)(11): As of May 18, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, the following 3 individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (83 FR 28319). Tom Buretz, (FL); James Dalrymple, (AZ); and Derron Washington, (IL). The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2015–0328. Their exemptions are applicable as of May 18, 2018, and will expire on May18, 2020. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315, each exemption will be valid for two years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (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 prior to being 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: August 30, 2018. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2018–19575 Filed 9–7–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P E:\FR\FM\10SEN1.SGM 10SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 175 (Monday, September 10, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45750-45753]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19581]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2018-0017]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

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

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

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 12 individuals 
for an exemption from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor 
vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions will 
enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce without 
meeting the vision requirement in one eye.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 10, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2018-0017 using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 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: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the 
docket number(s) for this notice. Note that all comments received will 
be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below 
for further information.
    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., e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 
days each year. If you want

[[Page 45751]]

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 online.
    Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits 
comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT 
posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information 
the commenter provides, to https://www.regulations.gov, as described in 
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed 
at https://www.dot.gov/privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, 
Medical Programs Division, (202) 366-4001, [email protected], FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64-224, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions 
regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket 
Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the FMCSRs for a five-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 
statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the 
five-year period. FMCSA grants exemptions from the FMCSRs for a two-
year period to align with the maximum duration of a driver's medical 
certification.
    The 12 individuals listed in this notice have requested an 
exemption from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). 
Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of each 
applicant to determine whether granting an exemption will achieve the 
required level of safety mandated by statute.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding vision 
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if that person has distant visual acuity of at 
least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or visual 
acuity separately corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) or better with 
corrective lenses, distant binocular acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) 
in both eyes with or without corrective lenses, field of vision of at 
least 70[deg] in the horizontal Meridian in each eye, and the ability 
to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard 
red, green, and amber.
    In July 1992, the Agency first published the criteria for the 
Vision Waiver Program, which listed the conditions and reporting 
standards that CMV drivers approved for participation would need to 
meet (Qualification of Drivers; Vision Waivers, 57 FR 31458, July 16, 
1992). The current Vision Exemption Program was established in 1998, 
following the enactment of amendments to the statutes governing 
exemptions made by Sec.  4007 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 
21st Century (TEA-21), Public Law 105-178, 112 Stat. 107, 401 (June 9, 
1998). Vision exemptions are considered under the procedures 
established in 49 CFR part 381 subpart C, on a case-by-case basis upon 
application by CMV drivers who do not meet the vision standards of 49 
CFR 391.41(b)(10).
    To qualify for an exemption from the vision requirement, FMCSA 
requires a person to present verifiable evidence that he/she has driven 
a commercial vehicle safely with the vision deficiency for the past 
three years. Recent driving performance is especially important in 
evaluating future safety, according to several research studies 
designed to correlate past and future driving performance. Results of 
these studies support the principle that the best predictor of future 
performance by a driver is his/her past record of crashes and traffic 
violations. Copies of the studies may be found at Docket Number FMCSA-
1998-3637.
    FMCSA believes it can properly apply the principle to monocular 
drivers, because data from the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) 
former waiver study program clearly demonstrated the driving 
performance of experienced monocular drivers in the program is better 
than that of all CMV drivers collectively (See 61 FR 13338, 13345, 
March 26, 1996). The fact that experienced monocular drivers 
demonstrated safe driving records in the waiver program supports a 
conclusion that other monocular drivers, meeting the same qualifying 
conditions as those required by the waiver program, are also likely to 
have adapted to their vision deficiency and will continue to operate 
safely.
    The first major research correlating past and future performance 
was done in England by Greenwood and Yule in 1920. Subsequent studies, 
building on that model, concluded that crash rates for the same 
individual exposed to certain risks for two different time periods vary 
only slightly (See Bates and Neyman, University of California 
Publications in Statistics, April 1952). Other studies demonstrated 
theories of predicting crash proneness from crash history coupled with 
other factors. These factors--such as age, sex, geographic location, 
mileage driven and conviction history--are used every day by insurance 
companies and motor vehicle bureaus to predict the probability of an 
individual experiencing future crashes (See Weber, Donald C., 
``Accident Rate Potential: An Application of Multiple Regression 
Analysis of a Poisson Process,'' Journal of American Statistical 
Association, June 1971). A 1964 California Driver Record Study prepared 
by the California Department of Motor Vehicles concluded that the best 
overall crash predictor for both concurrent and nonconcurrent events is 
the number of single convictions. This study used three consecutive 
years of data, comparing the experiences of drivers in the first two 
years with their experiences in the final year.

II. Qualifications of Applicants

John A. Edison

    Mr. Edison, 66, has had a macular scar in his left eye since 2001. 
The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20, and in his left eye, 20/
80. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ``With 
both eyes working together, Mr. Edison has sufficient vision to operate 
and drive a commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Edison reported that he has 
driven straight trucks for 50 years, accumulating 600,000 miles, and 
tractor-trailer combinations for 20 years, accumulating 1.92 million 
miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Georgia. His driving record for the 
last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving 
violations in a CMV.

Rodney P. Hains

    Mr. Hains, 58, has had a retinal detachment in his left eye since 
2003. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/15, and in his left eye, 
no light perception. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist 
stated, ``Based on that history and experience it would appear to me 
that he has sufficient visual capability to safely operate a commercial 
vehicle.'' Mr. Hains reported that he has driven straight trucks for 
five years, accumulating 5,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations 
for 20 years, accumulating 1.4 million miles. He holds a Class A CDL 
from North Dakota. His driving record for the last three years shows no 
crashes and no

[[Page 45752]]

convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

Darryl D. Kelley

    Mr. Kelley, 46, has had a macular hole in his right eye since 
childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/100, and in his 
left eye, 20/25. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist 
stated, ``My medical opinion is that he has sufficient vision to 
perform all driving tasks for a commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Kelley 
reported that he has driven buses for 23 years, accumulating 1.42 
million miles. He holds a Class B CDL from Texas. His driving record 
for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving 
violations in a CMV.

Thomas J. Knapp

    Mr. Knapp, 58, has had amblyopia in his left eye since birth. The 
visual acuity in his right eye is 20/15, and in his left eye, 20/150. 
Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ``It is my 
professional opinion that Mr [sic] Knapp has sufficient vision to 
perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.'' 
Mr. Knapp reported that he has driven buses for three years, 
accumulating 60,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Washington. His 
driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no 
convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

Darrell D. Kropf

    Mr. Kropf, 43, has had amblyopia in his left eye since childhood. 
The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20, and in his left eye, 20/
400. Following an examination in 2018, his ophthalmologist stated, ``In 
my opinion the patient has sufficient vision to perform the driving 
tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Kropf reported 
that he has driven tractor-trailer combinations for 21 years, 
accumulating 945,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from California. His 
driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no 
convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

Nathanael Lee

    Mr. Lee, 22, has had amblyopia in his left eye since childhood. The 
visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20, and in his left eye, 20/400. 
Following an examination in 2018, his ophthalmologist stated, ``In my 
opinion he does have sufficient vision and is well adapted to his 
vision in order to operate a commercial vehicle for driving tasks.'' 
Mr. Lee reported that he has driven straight trucks for two years, 
accumulating 9,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for three 
years, accumulating 75,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Minnesota. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes 
and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

John G. Mudd

    Mr. Mudd, 53, had his left eye enucleated due to a traumatic 
incident in 2015. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20, and in 
his left eye, no light perception. Following an examination in 2018, 
his optometrist stated, ``Mr. Mudd has sufficient vision to perform the 
driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Mudd 
reported that he has driven straight trucks for five years, 
accumulating 50,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for five 
years, accumulating 75,000 miles. He holds a Class DA CDL from 
Kentucky. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes 
and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

Jeffrey Ridenhour

    Mr. Ridenhour, 48, has a macular scar in his right eye due to a 
traumatic incident in 1998. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/
80, and in his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2018, his 
optometrist stated, ``In my medical opinion, Mr. Ridenhour has 
sufficient enough vision to perform the driving tasks required to 
operate a commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Ridenhour reported that he has 
driven tractor-trailer combinations for four years, accumulating 32,000 
miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Arkansas. His driving record for the 
last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving 
violations in a CMV.

John R. Russ II

    Mr. Russ, 71, has a prosthetic left eye due to a traumatic incident 
in 2010. The visual acuity in his right eye is no light perception, and 
in his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2018, his 
ophthalmologist stated, ``In my opinion, his vision in the left eye is 
sufficient to perform the driving tasks required to operate a 
commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Russ reported that he has driven straight 
trucks for 45 years, accumulating 675,000 miles, and tractor-trailer 
combinations for 35 years, accumulating 350,000 miles. He holds a Class 
A CDL from North Carolina. His driving record for the last three years 
shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

Gary A. Ulitsch

    Mr. Ulitsch, 64, has had amblyopia in his left eye since birth. The 
visual acuity in his right eye is 20/25, and in his left eye, 20/160. 
Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ``In my 
medical opinion, he has vision sufficient [sic] to operate a commercial 
vehicle.'' Mr. Ulitsch reported that he has driven straight trucks for 
46 years, accumulating 460,000 miles. He holds an operator's license 
from Connecticut. His driving record for the last three years shows no 
crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

Casey O. Wootan

    Mr. Wootan, 48, has had amblyopia in his left eye since childhood. 
The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/15, and in his left eye, 20/
200. Following an examination in 2018, his optometrist stated, ``In my 
medical opinion, Casey Wootan has sufficient vision to perform the 
driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Wootan 
reported that he has driven straight trucks for 20 years, accumulating 
100,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 15 years, 
accumulating 600,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Montana. His 
driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no 
convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

James C. Wright

    Mr. Wright, 42, has a retinal scar in his right eye due to a 
traumatic incident in 2008. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/
200, and in his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2018, his 
optometrist stated, ``Mr. Wright's condition is stable and I feel he 
should be able to operate a commercial vehicle safely without 
correction.'' Mr. Wright reported that he has driven straight trucks 
for ten years, accumulating 50,000 miles. He holds a Class B CDL from 
Minnesota. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes 
and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

III. Request for Comments

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA requests 
public comment from all interested persons on the exemption petitions 
described in this notice. We will consider all comments and material 
received before the close of business on the closing date indicated in 
the dates section of the notice.

IV. Submitting Comments

    You may submit your comments and material online or by fax, mail, 
or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. FMCSA 
recommends that you include your name and a mailing

[[Page 45753]]

address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your 
document so that FMCSA can contact you if there are questions regarding 
your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and 
in the search box insert the docket number FMCSA-2018-0017 and click 
the search button. When the new screen appears, click on the blue 
``Comment Now!'' button on the right hand side of the page. On the new 
page, enter information required including the specific section of this 
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each 
suggestion or recommendation. If you submit your comments by mail or 
hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ 
by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit 
comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the facility, 
please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope.
    We will consider all comments and materials received during the 
comment period. FMCSA may issue a final determination at any time after 
the close of the comment period.

V. Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this 
preamble, go to https://www.regulations.gov and in the search box insert 
the docket number FMCSA-2018-0017 and click ``Search.'' Next, click 
``Open Docket Folder'' and you will find all documents and comments 
related to this notice.

    Issued on: August 30, 2018
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-19581 Filed 9-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P


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