Transportation SafetyDOT Entry Level Driver Training – Non-Driving Activities: Fatigue and Wellness Awareness

DOT Entry Level Driver Training – Non-Driving Activities: Fatigue and Wellness Awareness

SKU: RVCT-1089
Duration: 0.50 Hrs

DOT entry-level driver training (ELDT) {do not narrate} requirements apply to CMV drivers with less than one year of experience operating a CMV in interstate commerce with a required CDL. Federal ELDT {“entry-level driver training”} requirements are also used by several states for intrastate operations.

Theory training for entry-level CMV drivers must cover topics in five different areas, including:

  • Basic CMV Operation
  • Safe Operating Procedures
  • Advanced Operating Practices
  • Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions
  • Non-Driving Activities

This course covers a topic in the Non-Driving Activities category: Fatigue and Wellness Awareness.

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Course Details

Learning Objectives

After you complete this course, you will be able to:

• Identify who is subject to the U.S. DOT Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements

• Define “wellness”

• Identify activities that can improve your general wellness

• Identify signs of fatigue for which you should pull over if you are driving

• Describe the meanings of blood pressure readings and blood cholesterol test results

• Describe how your body weight can affect your health

• Discuss how the use of illegal drugs or misuse of alcohol can impact driver safety

• Describe the negative effects of excessive stress and methods of managing and reducing stress

Specs

Course Level Intermediate
Languages English
Compatibility Audio, Video
Based on: 49 CFR Parts 392, 393, 396

Bob Jonas

Bob Jonas began his trucking adventure in 1973, at the age of twenty-three, driving for a new company that manufactured windows. First employed to drive 20-foot straight trucks, over the next 15 years he logged over a million miles in 11 western states. Starting with 40-foot dry vans, increasing in size to 53 feet, he also pulled doubles, occasionally triples, flatbeds, and reefers (refrigerated trailers). In addition to delivering windows, he was required to back haul everything from raw glass, cereal, oyster shells, potato flakes, paper, Christmas trees, and swinging horse meat. He was also given the responsibility of testing new hires. After leaving the company he had worked for so long, Jonas's life headed in another direction, where he was still able to use his driving skills for part time work. In the next few years, he worked the Christmas rush for UPS, hostling, driving doubles and triples. He also worked for another company delivering 5,000 lbs. spools of newsprint, as well as container pick and delivery to the docks and rail yards. His final miles were logged part time for another window manufacturer. Never knowing what road he would travel next, Bob didn't give up his CDL until 2014.

Key Questions

What makes a truck driver’s job particularly stressful?
Trucks are significantly larger than other vehicles, cargo must be picked up and delivered on time, and some drivers are away from home for extended periods of time.

Are commercial truck drivers less “healthy” than other people?
In the U.S., the “average CMV driver” is male, over 40, overweight, doesn’t exercise regularly, has poor eating habits, and is three times more likely to smoke than the average citizen.

Are commercial truck drivers at an increased risk for any dangerous medical conditions?
They are at increased risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, several cancers, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and anxiety and depression.

How are cholesterol levels related to health and wellness?
LDL cholesterol raises and HDL cholesterol lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Will I be tested for illegal drug or alcohol use during my DOT physical?
No, but the medical examiner will look for medical issues that can be caused by illegal drug use or alcohol abuse.

Sample Video Transcript

Most adults need between 7 and 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. If you don’t get enough sleep, it can cause fatigue and other negative effects. Even as little as 2 hours of sleep loss can affect your judgement, reaction time, coordination, and attitude or mood, all of which can affect driving safety. Signs of fatigue include:
• Your have difficulty concentrating or your eyes lose focus
• Drowsiness or frequent yawning
• You experience “highway hypnosis” or miss your exit
• You find yourself weaving or drifting across lanes

Additional Resources

The Motor Carrier Safety Planner

Course Applies To

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