Delaware truck drivers are the behind the wheel of vehicles that are larger and heavier than other types of vehicles on the road. It is important for these men and women to be cautious and careful, as even one small mistake can result in truck accidents with terrible consequences. While human error is the reason for many of these types of collisions, some medical conditions may also be to blame.
Sleep apnea is a fairly common disorder that can impact how a person sleeps, which in turn leads to fatigue and the potential for other medical complications. A recent study looked at sleep apnea and what it could mean for the trucking industry. Ultimately, it is very dangerous for truck drivers if left undiagnosed or untreated.
When a truck driver has obstructive sleep apnea, it can significantly increase the chance of an accident. This study concluded that those with this untreated issue have a crash likelihood that is five times higher than those who sought medical treatment for it. The Obama Administration mandated apnea testing for all truck drivers, but these regulations have been scaled back in recent years.
It’s not really clear who is to blame for truck accidents that may happen as a result of sleep apnea. Is it the truck driver who did not seek medical treatment or get a diagnosis? Is it the trucking company for failing to monitor the health of its drivers. Liability is a complex issue, and Delaware victims will likely benefit by speaking with an attorney about how to move forward.