Vehicular accidents usually happen when the driver falls asleep while traversing hi-ways and roads. The United States is taking a step forward to prevent these fatal road accidents by requiring bus drivers, truck drivers and railroad workers to undergo a test for a sleep disorder that causes drowsiness.
These commercial drivers and railroad workers will be tested for sleep apnea, a condition which causes drivers to doze off while driving on roads. In the past, pilots have already been tested for the disorder. A lot of fatal wrecks were a result of drivers helplessly falling asleep while on duty.
As a result, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the United States Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that they are in quest of public input in the next three months on the overall effect of screening, evaluation and treatment of commercial drivers and railroad workers for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
"It is imperative for everyone's safety that commercial motor vehicle drivers and train operators be fully focused and immediately responsive at all times," said Anthony Foxx, Transportation Secretary.
"DOT strongly encourages comment from the public on how to best respond to this national health and transportation safety issue," he added.
The National Transportation Safety Board, however, recommend that DOT take immediate action to address the issue regarding OSA screening and treatment among transportation workers.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is a condition wherein unintentional sleep periods happen along with deficits in concentration, attention, memory, awareness and inability to respond to dangers.
This is a breathing-related sleep disorder that leads to short interruptions of breathing during sleep. If it is left unrecognized, it can be a potentially life-threatening condition. People are predisposed to this condition if they have family members who have the same disease, they have a small upper airway, are overweight, 40 years old or above and have history of smoking or alcohol abuse.
An estimated 22 million men and women may be suffering from undiagnosed OSA. When this is left undiagnosed, it could lead to accidents when they perform safety sensitive services such as driving or operating machinery.
"The sooner patients with OSA are diagnosed and treated, the sooner our rail network will be safer," said FRA Administrator Sarah Feinberg.
Photo: Oran Viriyincy | Flickr
