November 5, 2002

New Safety Requirements for Commercial Drivers

SGI is moving to phase in periodic medicals for all drivers who hold a commercial 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.

For media inquiries only, contact:
Julianne Jack
SGI Communications
Regina
(306) 775-6907

For all other inquiries, call 1-800-667-8015.

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