ATRI opens separate surveys for drivers and carriers
The American Transportation Research Institute announced on October 14 that it has launched two new confidential surveys as part of a research initiative on truck-driver health. One survey is designed for drivers and the other for motor carriers. Responses are due Friday, November 13, 2026. Participation is voluntary, and the announcement does not create a new medical-certification or employment requirement.
Drivers are asked about health and life on the road
ATRI says the driver survey requests anonymous basic health information, including the duration of a driver’s medical certificate, along with experiences maintaining health and wellness while working on the road. The research is intended to reflect operating realities such as access to healthy food, physical activity and the challenges of spending extended time away from home.
Carrier questions focus on fleetwide measures
The motor-carrier survey asks for fleetwide averages covering medical-card durations, insurance costs and operating key performance indicators. ATRI also encourages carriers to share the driver survey with their workforce. Fleet responses should use accurate aggregate data and follow company privacy, benefits and human-resources policies rather than identifying individual employees.
Research will examine operational and cost effects
ATRI and project partner Project 61 say the study will examine how driver health may relate to healthcare and workers’ compensation costs, productivity, turnover, operational risk and medical qualification. The survey is a data-collection effort; it does not yet establish that any one health measure causes a particular safety or business outcome. Findings will need to be evaluated after the responses are analyzed.
Confidentiality matters when collecting health information
ATRI states that all responses are completely confidential. Carriers should provide only the information requested through the official survey link and avoid sending names, medical records or other personally identifying health details unless the form expressly requires and protects them. Drivers who choose to participate should verify they are using ATRI’s official form and should continue discussing personal medical questions with a qualified healthcare professional or certified medical examiner.
Driver and fleet takeaway
No compliance change is required because of the survey. Drivers must continue meeting existing DOT medical-certification requirements, and fleets must continue using current qualification and privacy procedures. Fleets that participate should assign one knowledgeable person to prepare consistent fleetwide averages, document the reporting period and keep individual health records separate from the research response. Drivers can contribute anonymous on-the-road experience by November 13, while both groups should wait for ATRI’s completed analysis before treating the study as evidence for operational or policy changes.
American Transportation Research Institute — Driver Health Survey Announcement
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