What should a CMV driver do if they experience a medical emergency while driving?

In the event of a medical emergency while driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), the best course of action is to immediately stop the vehicle in a safe area and call for assistance. Prioritizing the safety of both the driver and other road users is crucial, and stopping the vehicle is essential to prevent potential accidents that can occur if the driver tries to manage a medical emergency while still operating the vehicle.

Stopping the vehicle in a safe area allows the driver to assess their condition, receive necessary medical attention, and ensure that they do not pose a danger to themselves or others on the road. Communication for assistance can help ensure that medical professionals are alerted and can respond quickly, further safeguarding the situation.

Continuing to drive to the nearest rest area ignores the immediate health concern and increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle, potentially resulting in serious consequences. Trying to manage the emergency while driving distracts from the critical task of vehicle operation, which should always be focused solely on driving safely. Alerting other drivers using the vehicle's horn does not address the driver's medical emergency and is an inadequate response in such circumstances.