Sleep Apnea Linked to Obesity in U.S. Truck Drivers

A recent study published in the March 2009 edition of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine links obesity to dangerous sleep apnea in U.S. truck drivers. The study shows that commercial truck drivers, who are sedentary for long periods while driving, are at a high risk of obesity. Obesity creates a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea, which can increase a truck driver's chance of falling asleep at the wheel. The study indicates that the chance of crash may be increased by up to seven times that of a driver without apnea.

It is estimated that approximately 2.4 - 3.9 million commercial drivers in the U.S. have obstructive sleep apnea. Truck drivers falling asleep behind the wheel cause scores of truck crashes each year. Trucking companies that fail to screen their drivers for obstructive sleep apnea may be held partially liable for any injuries caused in truck crashes.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, contact the experienced Birmingham truck accident attorneys at The Walker Law Firm today at 1-877-925-5373. Our Birmingham truck accident attorneys represent victims of personal injury in Bessemer, Birmingham, Fairfield, Helena, Homewood, Hoover, Irondale, Mountain Brook, Tarrant, Trussville, and Vestavia Hills. Our Birmingham truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don't pay a fee unless you receive compensation for your injuries.