The sleepy driver – ICST

The sleepy driver

One of the key issues surrounding the management of OSA is driver fatigue; whether the patient has an undiagnosed sleep disorder, or is non-compliant on their CPAP treatment. It has been estimated that such drivers are between 6 and 15 times more likely to have a road traffic accident than those without the condition. Driver fatigue and sleepiness is a serious problem resulting in many thousands of road accidents each year. Impaired concentration as a result of being sleepy at the wheel increases the chances of a Motor Vehicle Collision significantly.

The sleepy driver

One of the key issues surrounding the management of OSA is driver fatigue; whether the patient has an undiagnosed sleep disorder, or is non-compliant on their CPAP treatment. It has been estimated that such drivers are between 6 and 15 times more likely to have a road traffic accident than those without the condition. Driver fatigue and sleepiness is a serious problem resulting in many thousands of road accidents each year. Impaired concentration as a result of being sleepy at the wheel increases the chances of a Motor Vehicle Collision significantly.

Mark as Understood

Resources

DVLA Guide for Healthcare Professionals: Assessing fitness to drive

A guide for medical professionals.

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