Maybe they aren't really medically unfit - maybe they are cheating on social security.

As a diabetic with hypertension taking meds for each, my doctor has to make an annual report to the state. Your story leads me to two conclusions. One is that there may be unscrupulous doctors who are selling disabilities for money or truck drivers who have found a flaw in the system.

What about all the old fogies running around the country in monstrous motor homes - what about their health. A truck driver is no different than any other driver other than his rig is bigger, are we going to weed them out to allow jobs for the Mexican truck drivers

You declare this an unacceptable risk, but back it up with ONE anecdotal story about an accident caused by a heart attack, which may have had nothing to do with a preexisting disability. Tell me, what is your idea of an acceptable risk?

Given the sheer number of miles driven by truckers (and the necessity of that work) I would say the system is working pretty well as it is.

I would contrast the story's inflammatory statements against the large numbers of underskilled and inattentive drivers of passenger vehicles I encounter on a daily basis. So many seem ignorant to the common sense requiredto safely operate a vehicle amongst traffic and in close proximity to commercial vehicles. Truck drivers avert numerous accident daily through their proffesionalism and defensive driving techniques. Consider that next time you dive in front of one at the end of a ramp and he doesnt end up crushing you like a soda can.

It will probably get worse beofore it gets better because a large freight company is now attempting to force some employees to become truck drivers. Prior truck driving experince is not part of the criteria. Several employees have been informed that a CDL will soon be a requirement if you want to continue enjoying full-time employment with benefits. At this point in time I believe the company is working thorough all the legal loopholes to make it a fact. It could just be a scare tactic but it was presented to some employees in the aforementioned manner. There soon could be people with minimal experience and disabilities on the road. What does this do for competetive wages. Now they hire under the pretense that you will be this and soon after you will be more or less forced to do that. Otherwise the job would attract quality truck drivers.