How Sleep Apnea can Cause Truck Accidents

Truck drivers are responsible for ensuring the safety of themselves, other drivers, and their cargo. With the long hours and high pressure of their jobs, it’s crucial that truck drivers maintain their physical and mental health, particularly when it comes to their sleep. Unfortunately, sleep apnea is a common condition that affects a significant portion of the truck driving population and can greatly increase the risk of truck accidents. In this article, we will discuss the relationship between sleep apnea and truck accidents, and how you can protect yourself and others on the road.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute and occur several times an hour. It disrupts the normal sleep pattern, causing frequent awakenings and preventing deep, restful sleep.

The most common type of sleep apnea, which occurs when the throat muscles relax, causing the airway to become blocked. This condition affects millions of people and can lead to several health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Truck Accidents

Truck drivers who suffer from sleep apnea are at a higher risk of being involved in a truck accident. The lack of quality sleep and frequent awakenings caused by sleep apnea can lead to decreased alertness, increased fatigue, and decreased reaction time. These symptoms can be especially dangerous for truck drivers who operate large vehicles at high speeds for long periods of time.
Additionally, It can cause mood swings, irritability, and memory problems. These symptoms can also affect a truck driver’s ability to make sound decisions, communicate effectively with others, and react appropriately in emergency situations.

How to Protect Yourself and Others on the Road

If you are a truck driver, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of sleep apnea and to seek treatment if you suspect that you may have the condition. Treatment options for sleep apnea include lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and sleeping on your side, as well as the use of devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.

It is also important to prioritize regular check-ups with a sleep specialist, who can diagnose and treat sleep apnea. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, and can greatly increase the risk of being involved in a truck accident.

Virginia Tech Study Shows Sleep Apnea In Truck Drivers On the Rise

A Virginia Tech study discovered that during a one-year time frame, 70 critical but preventable accidents are likely to occur per 1,000 truck drivers that were diagnosed with sleep apnea but refused treatment. Comparatively, just 14 critical but preventable accidents were likely to occur in groups of truck drivers who either did not have sleep apnea or who did suffer from the condition but were treatment compliant.

Can I Still Hold a Truck Driver Responsible for an Accident Caused By a Medical Condition?

You may be concerned that you will have difficulty pursuing compensation for an accident that was caused by a medical condition that wasn’t the truck driver’s fault. However, there are many circumstances under which a truck driver and/or the trucking company may be held liable for a collision and its resulting damages.

For example, a trucking company may be held responsible for the crash if they did not provide adequate or sufficient education about sleep apnea, its symptoms, and the dangers it presents to truck drivers.

Secure Strong Legal Advocacy From an Atlanta Truck Accident Attorney Now

If you or someone you loved were injured in a truck accident, life may never again be the same. Beyond the emotional fallout, you face many obstacles ahead in the form of medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and other significant expenses. Reach out to Chalker Injury Law today to schedule your consultation appointment. Call now by dialing (678) 319-9991 or toll-free at (800) 393-8595. Our caring and compassionate Atlanta personal injury lawyers are available now to help.