Released on November 5, 2002
SGI is moving to phase in periodic medicals for all drivers who hold acommercial class of driver's licence to meet the requirements of the
National Safety Code.
"Commercial driver and vehicle safety standards are defined by the federal
government," SGI President Larry Fogg said. "All provinces are moving to
meet these requirements which are part of the National Safety Code. SGI is
responsible for implementing the medical standards outlined in the National
Safety Code."
Periodic medicals will be required for all Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 licensed
drivers in order for them to maintain their commercial driving privileges.
Saskatchewan will phase in these National Safety Code requirements over the
next five years starting in January 2003.
"The National Safety Code for Motor Carriers is designed to establish a
comprehensive code of minimum performance standards for the safe operation
of commercial vehicles," SGI's Assistant Vice President of Driver and
Vehicle Safety Services Bernadette McIntyre said. "It applies to all
persons responsible for the operation of commercial vehicles on the road,
including large trucks, buses, taxis, power units and semi trailers."
"The medical guidelines proposed in this document were developed using the
standards outlined in the Canadian Medical Association's Guide for
Physicians in Determining Fitness to Drive," McIntyre said.
SGI will be communicating directly with all commercial drivers to let them
know about the new federal requirements under the National Safety Code in
the coming days.
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For more information, contact:
Julianne Jack
SGI Communications
Regina
Phone: (306) 775-6907