Dangerous Condition Suffered By Drivers Causes Them To Fall Asleep
Thursday, 26. August 2010
Leading road safety charity BRAKE has warned companies about the dangers of sleep apnoea which can cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel. Research has shown that as many as 700,000 people may suffer this condition. Brake is calling on the Government to provide funds to enable them to publicise the dangers and how to identify the condition. Brake said that they want to see screening introduced before employees are allowed to drive on company business, especially thos that drive heavy goods vehicles. The full title of the medical condition is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. The people most likely to suffer this condition are overweight men in their mid 40’s. It is treatable with breathing equipment available through the NHS and targeted weight loss. MP’s are being lobbied to help in raising the funds necessary to make companies aware of the necessity to screen drivers. Have you ever fallen asleep at the wheel? Do you think you may have the condition? Then get checked by your GP. By Graham Hill
