With the onset of spring allergies in the United States on March 19th, experts anticipate a potentially severe allergy season in 2024. As allergy season commences, it's crucial to recognize the significant impairment that certain over-the-counter allergy medications can cause when operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV).
Research conducted by the University of Iowa revealed that diphenhydramine, a common antihistamine found in many allergy and cold medications, can profoundly hinder a driver's ability to steer, follow lanes, and maintain control. Surprisingly, diphenhydramine's impact on driving performance surpasses that of alcohol.
Despite 39 million Americans suffering from allergies, only 4.8 million opt for prescription medications, leaving a substantial portion relying on over-the-counter remedies. While these medications can be effective, they often induce drowsiness, prompting warnings to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
Even if individuals do not perceive drowsiness while on allergy medications, impairment remains a risk. Many drivers overlook the cognitive and motor effects of these drugs, assuming they're unaffected or that warnings apply to specific situations, not realizing their applicability to CMVs. This misconception contributes to numerous vehicle accidents annually.
The dangers of driving while fatigued can be fatal, as drugs alter various bodily functions, affecting vision, energy levels, reaction times, and concentration. Antihistamines slow reaction times and coordination, while decongestants from over-the-counter medications can induce drowsiness, anxiety, and dizziness.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) attributes approximately 100,000 traffic crashes and 1,500 deaths yearly to drowsy driving. Moreover, common prescription drugs for various conditions, including allergies, pain management, diabetes, and mental health disorders, pose risks of drowsiness, impaired vision, and diminished skills crucial for safe driving.
Tranquilizers, sedatives, and sleeping pills further exacerbate impairment by slowing the central nervous system, impairing concentration and reaction times. Even seemingly innocuous over-the-counter drugs like cold medicines, pain relievers, and motion sickness remedies can induce drowsiness or dizziness, compromising driving abilities.
Individuals may feel falsely confident in their driving abilities under the influence of drugs, unaware of their impairment. A range of legal medications, from anti-anxiety drugs to cough syrups, can impair driving when taken in excessive amounts or combined improperly.
To mitigate risks, it's essential to consult healthcare professionals regarding medication side effects, safe combinations, and non-sedating alternatives, particularly for professional drivers. Adhering to prescribed doses, avoiding sharing medications, and allowing time for adjustment to new drugs before driving are critical precautions. Ultimately, each individual bears responsibility for recognizing signs of drug impairment before operating any vehicle. For comprehensive information on drug side effects, resources like www.drugs.com provide valuable insights.
Please refer to the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
Which medications lead to disqualification for a CMV driver? http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/what-medications-disqualify-cmv-driver
Is it possible for a CMV driver to face disqualification for using a legally prescribed drug? http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/can-cmv-driver-be-disqualified-using-legally-prescribed-drug
For access to 21 CFR 1308.11 (Controlled Substance Schedule I), please visit http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fb0b4afcff84aef52755d6dff7b8880d&node=se21.9.1308_111&rgn=div8
For further assistance, please reach out to the FMCSA's Physical Qualifications Division at fmcsamedical@fmcsa.dot.gov or (202) 366-4001.
Frost Restrictions in 16 States and 9 Provinces!
Springtime often presents driving challenges, particularly due to fluctuating ground temperatures that can harm roads and vehicles, leading to uneven surfaces colloquially known as "roller coaster" roads. Consequently, motor carriers must stay vigilant regarding the numerous state and provincial weight restrictions imposed during spring or risk damage to both the roadway and their rigs.
Prepare for Alternative Routes
To safeguard the infrastructure of roads, many states implement seasonal weight limitations as early as late February, with some extending through May. As drivers traverse areas experiencing spring thaws, they must remain alert for posted signs indicating permissible weights and reduced speed limits.
Effective trip planning entails checking state websites to ascertain if specific highways are accessible to their vehicles. Moreover, if drivers encounter weight restrictions, they must promptly seek alternative routes, potentially reaching out to dispatch for guidance.
Disregarding posted restrictions can have severe consequences beyond monetary fines, including damage to roads, vehicles, and cargo, potentially leading to accidents on challenging road surfaces. To access regulations in states and provinces, visit: https://oversize.io/regulations/frost-laws-by-state.
CVSA’s International Roadcheck Is Set for May 14-16
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled its International Roadcheck for May 14-16. This initiative, conducted over three days across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is a prominent effort focusing on commercial motor vehicle inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement.
Certified law enforcement personnel from CVSA will carry out inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites, and mobile patrols to ensure adherence to federal, state, provincial, or territorial regulations. Data collected during the 72-hour period of International Roadcheck will be analyzed and released later this summer.
Each year, International Roadcheck places particular emphasis on specific violation categories. For the current year, the initiative will concentrate on two main areas: tractor protection systems and alcohol and controlled substance possession.
The issue of controlled substance and alcohol possession/use remains a significant concern for motor carriers, drivers, and the public at large. The rising number of prohibited drivers documented in the U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) underscores this pressing issue, posing risks to all motorists across North America.
Throughout the three days of International Roadcheck, inspectors will conduct the routine North American Standard Level I Inspection, which involves a comprehensive 37-step procedure examining vehicle components and driver documentation and requirements.
For further details on Roadcheck 2024, visit: https://www.cvsa.org/news/2024-international-roadcheck/
Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday, March 10th!
Daylight saving time kicks off for 2024 on Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m. local time, marking the biannual time adjustment that impacts millions of Americans. However, it's important to note that not all states observe this change.
Prepare for the Time Shift
With the upcoming transition to daylight saving time in two weeks, it's crucial to ensure all your drivers are informed. Particularly, route drivers should be cautioned about the shift in daylight duration affecting their stops.
Additionally, don't forget to replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Managing Sleep Patterns
Sleep experts generally recommend a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night. However, it's common for individuals to experience a slight reduction in sleep duration, averaging around 40 minutes less on Sunday night, March 10th, following the return to daylight saving time. To counteract potential drowsiness, consider sleeping in on Sunday morning and taking a nap in the afternoon.
States Not Observing Daylight Saving Time
It's worth noting that not all states adhere to daylight saving time. Hawaii and Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation) are among the states that do not observe this time change. Additionally, various territories such as American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not participate in daylight saving time.
