Texas roads get a steady traffic of fully loaded trucks. This can mean other vehicles on the state’s roadways are at risk of dangerous trucking accidents. This is especially true when truck drivers are battling fatigue and drowsiness, due in large part to the odd and inconsistent hours they spend on the road. Unfortunately, truck drivers are also more likely than the average driver to struggle with a medical condition that disrupts sleep.
This condition is obstructive sleep apnea. It often goes undiagnosed because not everyone is aware of the symptoms.
What is obstructive sleep apnea and why are truck driver’s more likely to suffer from this medical condition?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the throat collapses while sleeping. This makes it difficult to breath. Those who suffer from this condition often snore loudly and may have episodes where they appear to stop breathing for short periods of time. The individual who is experiencing these episodes may not be aware, but they will get poor quality sleep and often feel drowsy the next day.
Truck drivers have many of the risk factors that can contribute to this condition. Most notably, a sedentary lifestyle. If the driver is struggling with this condition, they may not be alert while driving. This could increase the risk of a trucking accident.
Did the truck driver fall asleep while driving and cause a crash?
Unfortunately, this is likely one of many questions to ask after a truck accident. These accidents can be tragic and it is important to gather information to help determine what went wrong — and hold any responsible party accountable for the cost associated with the accident.