Harvard Researchers Say Mandatory Testing of Truck drivers for Sleep Apnea Could Prevent Accidents
A new study by sleep scientists at Harvard University indicates that there is a strong link between obese truck drivers, and sleep apnea. The study also indicates that mandatory screening of these truck drivers could prevent the risk of accidents. Up to 20 percent of truck accidents are believed to be caused by drivers who doze off at the wheel of the truck.
Sleep apnea causes persons to have disturbed sleep when there are interruptions in breathing during sleep. Because of such interrupted sleep, persons who suffer from sleep apnea may suffer from drowsiness in the day time. That’s a dangerous situation when you are talking about a person who is at the wheel of a massive truck.
The study examined 456 commercial truck drivers over a period of 16 months, and found that 17 percent of the drivers met screening criteria for suspect sleep apnea. Of these, 20 drivers were confirmed cases of sleep apnea. These drivers were recommended appropriate treatment programs, but only one driver actually complied with the treatment recommendations. According to a researcher, it is highly likely that most drivers who suffer from this condition are probably driving their vehicles without any treatment or little treatment at all.
Truck drivers may be at a greater risk for obesity, which is one of the risk factors for sleep apnea. Irregular meal times and a high fat diet can contribute to a truck driver gaining excessive weight.
As a Bergen County truck accident lawyer, I am concerned at the significant prevalence of the sleep disorder in the trucking population. The Harvard researchers have called for a federal mandate that requires trucking companies to screen their drivers for sleep apnea. I hope the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is listening.
