Um, the fact that the primary method a car has for warning another car about anything is the HORN? Same with Trains? Not to mention SIRENS?

Our society, and the driving portion of it, take great advantage of both sight and hearing. Someon without one of thos dos not make as safe a driver as someone with both.

This is self-evident, or we wouldn’t use horns or sirens.

I’m trying hard not to be condescending here, but it’s really quite difficult.

Not to mention the secretary who yells “hey wait, you left an important package here!” as the brownshirt heads through the closing elevator doors.

Overlawyered indeed 🙂

Yes, Insurers will “discriminate” (to the extent the law allows) between those of lower and those of higher risks.

The “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation UPS finds itself in has downstream economic consequenses. The likelihood of being sued under the ADA for allegedly discriminating against handicapped individuals may result in higher premiums to be paid to the insurer providing Employer’s Liability Coverage. The liklihood of being sued for the negligent hiring of handicapped individiuals blamed for causing a traffic accident may result in higher premiums to be paid by the insurer providing Auto Liability Coverage.

Of course, the Trial Bar sees nothing wrong with this – they can sue on both ends, and the cost is passed on by UPS to the consumer. If consumers complain, blame the insurance companies.

A person who meets the physical requirements and capabilities for a job doesn’t really have a handicap. If a driver has a CDL and meets the other requirements for the position there is no reason that they shouldn’t have the job. I’m waiting for companies who employ people in my field to be sued for not hiring the “truly blind”.

I do 3D mechanical design.

“If they can, I’m willing to bet that a deaf driver is going to pay alot more in insurance premiums.”

Exactly what do you base this on guys? Are you guys Deaf? Do you guys know Deaf people? Have you ever ridden in a car driven by a Deaf person? Have you conducted studies on this, or even read studies?

“Since deaf drivers most likely arent fidgeting with the radio or talking on a cell phone, it seems like they might be involved in fewer accidents.”

Unless they’re tapping away on their blackberrys!

“First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than five feet with or without the use of a hearing aid.”

Thanks Bryan for the cite. That’s really helpful. Deafness is not an absolute like pregnancy. It’s a sliding scale. If a truly Deaf person cannot obtain his or her CDL, then it’s apparent that UPS is not discriminating against the truly Deaf. UPS is actually attempting to discriminate against what most people would consider the hard of hearing.

Let’s look at it this way guys. Studies would clearly show that Black men are more likely to be involved in crime. Does that mean that Banks should not have to hire Black men?! Of course not.

From the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association, USDOT: (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm)

49 CFR 391.41(b)(11)

A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial vehicle if that person:

First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than five feet with or without the use of a hearing aid.

(other testing is allowed, see the link)

-Can Deaf people have a valid truck driving license? No they CANNOT applicants must have at least some degree of hearing in order to obtain a CDL. That rule has been in effect since 1993. So no Ima UPS is not the one discrimiating. It was/is the DOT.