Insulin-using drivers granted exemptions

Four drivers have been exempted from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes from operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.

The two-year exemptions are the first to be granted under a September 2003 policy allowing insulin-using drivers to apply for exemptions from 49 CFR §391.41(b)(3). Under that policy, applicants must show proof of a safe driving record in intrastate commerce.

The agency received five exemption applications on May 5, 2005. One applicant discontinued use of insulin and withdrew his application for an exemption. The four individuals granted an exemption have had insulin-treated diabetes for 4 to 37 years, and none has had more than one serious hypoglycemic reaction in the past 5 years.

The Congressional highway bill that was signed into law in early August contains a provision requiring the FMCSA to ease the qualification rules for drivers using insulin to control diabetes. Such diabetics will not have to show safe driving experience before being qualified, but must have a minimum period of insulin use (1 to 2 months).

According to the FMCSA, studies have shown that diabetic drivers have a higher rate of crash involvement than the general population, but individuals who are screened and have a safe driving history should be allowed to drive in interstate commerce.

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