Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 7238-7239 [2022-02618]

Download as PDF 7238 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 26 / Tuesday, February 8, 2022 / Notices 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 45 years. In the past 3 years, no 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 that demonstrates 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 § 391.41(b)(10) is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Glen T. Garrabrant (NJ) Lloyd M. Hicks (AR) Kyle M. Innella (PA) Tyraine Jackson (VA) Maris I. Kretsu (GA) Ellis R. Martin (MD) Jerred R. Murray (NY) Moises Perez (IL) Jake Quillen (TN) David S. Rosen (NJ) Robert C. Rucker (TN) In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 2 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(e) and 31315(b). 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 standard in § 391.41(b)(10) and (b) by a certified medical examiner (ME) who attests that the individual is otherwise physically qualified under § 391.41; (2) each driver must provide a copy of the ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s report to the ME 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. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 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 13 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts the following drivers from the vision requirement, § 391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above: Jacob J. Bell (CO) Robert F. Fullwood (PA) VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:16 Feb 07, 2022 Jkt 256001 [FR Doc. 2022–02622 Filed 2–7–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Dockets Operations, (202) 366– 9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Participation A. Viewing Comments To view comments go to www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket number, FMCSA–2017–0058, FMCSA– 2018–0136, FMCSA–2018–0138, FMCSA–2018–0139, FMCSA–2019– 0109, or FMCSA–2019–0110 in the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, sort the results by ‘‘Posted (NewerOlder),’’ choose the first notice listed, and click ‘‘Browse Comments.’’ If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting Dockets Operations in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366–9317 or (202) 366– 9826 before visiting Dockets Operations. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION B. Privacy Act Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its regulatory process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.transportation.gov/privacy. [Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0058; FMCSA–2018–0136; FMCSA–2018–0138; FMCSA–2018–0139; FMCSA–2019–0109; FMCSA–2019–0110] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 23 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 individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions were applicable on December 26, 2021. The exemptions expire on December 26, 2023. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, DOT, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00155 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 II. Background On December 29, 2021, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for 23 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 (86 FR 74213). The public comment period ended on January 28, 2022, and no comments were received. 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 § 391.41(b)(11). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in § 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person first perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not E:\FR\FM\08FEN1.SGM 08FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 26 / Tuesday, February 8, 2022 / Notices 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. This standard was adopted in 1970 and was revised in 1971 to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (Apr. 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971). 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(e) and 31315(b). Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2022–02618 Filed 2–7–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES IV. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 23 renewal exemption applications, FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following drivers from the hearing requirement in § 391.41 (b)(11). As of December 26, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 23 individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (86 FR 74213): Mario Alvarado (CA) Kasseth Andrews (MA) Denis Ayers (MD) Joseph Bence (OH) Daryl A. Broker (MN) Justin Brooks (WA) Christa Butner (NC) William Darnell (AZ) Travis Davisson (IA) Erik De Leon (TX) Mitchell Estill (MO) Paul Hoover (PA) Amy Ivins (NE) James Johnson (MN) Keith Kenyon (WI) Nicholas Kulasa (IL) John Martikainen (CT) John Silvers (NY) Michael Swetnam (TX) Mark Tabangcora (CA) Yvon Victor (NJ) Jeremy Williams (CA) Joseph Williams (MD) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2017–0058, FMCSA– 2018–0136, FMCSA–2018–0138, FMCSA–2018–0139, FMCSA–2019– 0109, or FMCSA–2019–0110. Their exemptions were applicable as of December 26, 2021 and will expire on December 26, 2023. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 2 years from the effective date unless VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:16 Feb 07, 2022 Jkt 256001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2006–25854; FMCSA–2010–0203; FMCSA–2013–0106; FMCSA–2013–0107; FMCSA–2013–0108; FMCSA–2015–0117; FMCSA–2015–0119; FMCSA–2017–0178; FMCSA–2017–0181; FMCSA–2017–0251; FMCSA–2018–0052] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 14 individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have ‘‘no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV.’’ The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates provided below. SUMMARY: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, DOT, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: PO 00000 Frm 00156 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 7239 submitting material to the docket, contact Dockets Operations, (202) 366– 9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Participation A. Viewing Comments To view comments go to www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket number, FMCSA–2006–25854, FMCSA– 2010–0203, FMCSA–2013–0106, FMCSA–2013–0107, FMCSA–2013– 0108, FMCSA–2015–0117, FMCSA– 2015–0119, FMCSA–2017–0178, FMCSA–2017–0181, FMCSA–2017– 0251, or FMCSA–2018–0052 in the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, sort the results by ‘‘Posted (NewerOlder),’’ choose the first notice listed, and click ‘‘Browse Comments.’’ If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting Dockets Operations in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366–9317 or (202) 366– 9826 before visiting Dockets Operations. B. Privacy Act In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its regulatory process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.transportation.gov/privacy. II. Background On December 29, 2021, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for 14 individuals from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and requested comments from the public (86 FR 74211). The public comment period ended on January 28, 2022, and no comments were received. 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 § 391.41(b)(8). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy found in § 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person has no established medical E:\FR\FM\08FEN1.SGM 08FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 26 (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7238-7239]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02618]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0058; FMCSA-2018-0136; FMCSA-2018-0138; FMCSA-
2018-0139; FMCSA-2019-0109; FMCSA-2019-0110]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 23 
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 
individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: The exemptions were applicable on December 26, 2021. The 
exemptions expire on December 26, 2023.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Public Participation

A. Viewing Comments

    To view comments go to www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket 
number, FMCSA-2017-0058, FMCSA-2018-0136, FMCSA-2018-0138, FMCSA-2018-
0139, FMCSA-2019-0109, or FMCSA-2019-0110 in the keyword box, and click 
``Search.'' Next, sort the results by ``Posted (Newer-Older),'' choose 
the first notice listed, and click ``Browse Comments.'' If you do not 
have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting 
Dockets Operations in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the DOT West 
Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, between 
9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 
To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366-9317 or 
(202) 366-9826 before visiting Dockets Operations.

B. Privacy Act

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

II. Background

    On December 29, 2021, FMCSA published a notice announcing its 
decision to renew exemptions for 23 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 (86 FR 74213). The 
public comment period ended on January 28, 2022, and no comments were 
received.
    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 Sec.  391.41(b)(11).
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing 
found in Sec.  391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if that person first perceives a forced 
whispered voice in the better ear at not

[[Page 7239]]

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.
    This standard was adopted in 1970 and was revised in 1971 to allow 
drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing 
aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (Apr. 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971).

III. Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding.

IV. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the 23 renewal exemption applications, 
FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following drivers from the 
hearing requirement in Sec.  391.41 (b)(11).
    As of December 26, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315(b), the following 23 individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (86 FR 74213):

Mario Alvarado (CA)
Kasseth Andrews (MA)
Denis Ayers (MD)
Joseph Bence (OH)
Daryl A. Broker (MN)
Justin Brooks (WA)
Christa Butner (NC)
William Darnell (AZ)
Travis Davisson (IA)
Erik De Leon (TX)
Mitchell Estill (MO)
Paul Hoover (PA)
Amy Ivins (NE)
James Johnson (MN)
Keith Kenyon (WI)
Nicholas Kulasa (IL)
John Martikainen (CT)
John Silvers (NY)
Michael Swetnam (TX)
Mark Tabangcora (CA)
Yvon Victor (NJ)
Jeremy Williams (CA)
Joseph Williams (MD)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2017-0058, FMCSA-
2018-0136, FMCSA-2018-0138, FMCSA-2018-0139, FMCSA-2019-0109, or FMCSA-
2019-0110. Their exemptions were applicable as of December 26, 2021 and 
will expire on December 26, 2023.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid 
for 2 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(e) and 
31315(b).

Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2022-02618 Filed 2-7-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P

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