Epidemiology of Insulin-Using Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers: Major variability of state licensing requirements in the U.S.

doi:10.2337/diacare.15.11.1464

Epidemiology of Insulin-Using Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers: Major variability of state licensing requirements in the U.S.

Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, and the Department of Economics, Graduate School of Industrial Administratio, Carnegie-Mellon University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; the Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Washington, DC. The Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Idamae F. Gower, MPH, Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Licensing agencies in many areas, including the U.S., prohibit insulin-using individuals from driving CMVs or large trucks. This study examined the debate over the risks of licensing insulin-using individuals to drive CMVs as an occupation, and the variations in regulations of different states.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS As part of an ongoing review of the regulations governing interstate commerce in the U.S., we surveyed all 50 states and Washington, D.C. to determine the regulations concerning intrastate driving. We received responses from 48 states and D.C., representing 95% of the U.S. population.

RESULTS Only 9 states reported preventing insulin users from acquiring a CMV license, whereas 39 states and D.C. permitted licensing within state boundaries. Of the states allowing insulin users to drive, 26 placed special requirements on CMV licensing.

CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that, despite a standardized U.S. federal law for driving across states, enormous variability exists in the policies for driving within states, ranging from no restrictions to a complete ban on CMV driving for insulin users.