In this issue:

• Recognizing a Stroke.
• DOT Establishes Oral Fluid Collection Guidelines.
• Registration is Now Open for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Spring Safety Seminars!

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As Valentine’s Day approaches, many of us focus on expressing love and appreciation for our partners, friends, and family. However, this special time also marks American Heart Month, making it a perfect opportunity to reflect on a crucial aspect of our lives: heart health. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting millions of lives and placing an immense financial burden on our healthcare system. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of heart health, recognize the signs of a stroke, and discuss how maintaining a healthy lifestyle can transform not only your heart health but also your overall well-being.

This Valentine’s Day, consider giving the gift of heart health. February celebrates love and marks American Heart Month—a perfect opportunity to embrace a healthy lifestyle and make simple changes that can contribute to lasting heart health.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which encompasses heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. It significantly contributes to disability, hindering many Americans from working and enjoying time with their families. Furthermore, CVD imposes a staggering financial burden on the U.S., costing over $300 billion each year in healthcare services, medications, and lost productivity.

Recognizing a Stroke

Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke can often be challenging. This lack of recognition can have serious consequences, as individuals experiencing a stroke may endure significant brain damage if those around them don’t notice the warning signs. Medical professionals advise that a bystander can help identify a stroke by asking three straightforward questions:

S: Ask the individual to SMILE.

T: Ask the person to TALK and speak a simple, coherent sentence (e.g., “It is sunny out today”).

R: Ask them to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If the individual struggles with these activities, contact emergency services immediately and inform the dispatcher about the symptoms.

Another possible sign of a stroke is to ask the person to stick out their tongue. If the tongue appears uneven or tilts to one side, it may indicate a stroke.

Question: What is the effect on commercial motor vehicle driver certification based on FMCSA hypertension stages?

Guidance:

CFR 391.41(b)(6): A driver diagnosed with hypertension and undergoing treatment must have at least an annual certification.

• A CMV driver with a blood pressure (BP) reading of <140/90 may be certified for 2 years.

First-Time Elevated Blood Pressure:

• Stage 1: BP 140–159/90–99
• Certification Period: 1 year
• Stage 2: BP 160–179/100–109
• Certification Period: 3 months (one-time certification).
• Within these 3 months, if BP is reduced to <140/90, the driver may be certified for 1 year.
• Stage 3: BP >180/110
• Disqualified.

Once BP is reduced to <140/90, the driver may be certified at 6-month intervals.

DOT Establishes Oral Fluid Collection Guidelines

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled updated guidelines for collecting oral fluid samples as part of its drug testing program for transportation employees, including CDL drivers.

On May 2, 2023, a final rule was released permitting motor carriers to utilize oral fluid testing instead of urine testing for DOT drug tests. Nevertheless, this rule will not take effect until the Department of Health and Human Services has certified at least two laboratories capable of testing oral fluid samples.

Under this new rule, the DOT stipulates that anyone wishing to serve as an oral fluid collector in the DOT drug testing program must, among other qualifications, have a thorough understanding of the current “DOT Oral Fluid Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines.”

The updated guidelines offer comprehensive instructions for standard procedures in oral fluid collection and address common challenges or scenarios that may occur during the process.

Registration is now open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Spring Safety Seminars!

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC will again be hosting safety seminars in the spring and fall of 2025.  The one-day seminar this year will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars and will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge.   The seminar provides important information applicable for both the novice and experienced transportation professionals. 

Spring Seminars 2025

• 4/16/2025 – Dallas, TX
• 4/21/2025 – Hudsonville, MI
• 4/23/2025 – Brookfield, WI
• 4/29/2025 – San Leandro, CA
• 5/1/2025 – Portland, OR
• TBD – Harrisburg, PA
• TBD – Columbia, SC
• 5/15/2025 – Tampa, FL

To register for an upcoming spring seminar in 2025, click on the following link:
Safety Seminar Registration

Note: Fall seminars will be announced in a later bulletin.

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.