An effort to curb drowsiness among truck drivers could gain ground next month when a review panel acts on medical findings regarding sleep apnea, USA Today reported Wednesday.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s medical review board looking at the issue plans to finalize recommendations about truckers and sleep apnea on April 7, the paper reported, citing an FMCSA official.
Sleep apnea causes people to wake up frequently during sleep because their airways partially close. The constant awakening can make them drowsy during waking periods, which could be risky for truck drivers, the paper said.
One contributor to the condition is obesity, USA Today said, citing a University of Pennsylvania researcher and adviser to the review board. The board is expected to recommend that commercial truckers be required to undergo a sleep study once they reach a certain level of obesity.
If the agency approves, drivers would have to be treated for the condition to get certified, the paper said. Treatment could include surgery or the use of a mask during sleep that delivers air into the airway.
Truckload carrier Schneider National said last year that a sleep apnea screening and treatment program managed by an outside vendor has improved safety and driver productivity while lowering health-care costs.
Click here for previous coverage.
