By Allen Smith

Allen Smith

In a meeting yesterday, May 12th, 2010, the FMCSA began discussions on the concerns of fatigue on truck drivers.  Citing that fatigue is a major problem among truckers, it was also noted that the medical condition, sleep apnea, is a major contributor to fatigue.  The FMCSA and the National Sleep Foundation have initiated an awareness campaign called “Get on the Road to Better Health: Recognizing the Dangers of Sleep Apnea.”

While the final plans for sleep apnea testing for truck drivers play out, present discussion is pointing to the possibilities of having drivers tested for the condition, who have a body mass index of 30 or higher.  The FMCSA is wanting testing done when a driver’s BMI is at least 30, while the Sleep Apnea Medical Expert Panel is recommending testing at the 33 level.  Although a date for the new requirements have not been announced, it is noted that there are still much needed discussion on how to handle various aspects of the proposed initiative. One aspect being who exactly will be responsible for paying for the testing : the trucking company or the truck driver?   Don Osterberg, Senior V. P. of safety for Schneider National points out that the total cost for sleep apnea testing will run around $3500, with about $2,000 for the sleep study and $1,500 for the equipment.

As per our previous post from July 14th, 2009 on the future of sleep apnea testing for truckers, talks are in the works again for truckers to face another regulation in relationship to trucking safety.  As a concerned driver, you can check your  BMI to see where you would stand in this issue.

Although the roll-out date is still in question, R. Clay Porter, a partner at Dennis, Corry, Porter & Smith, LLP, pointed out that while sleep apnea has not yet become a major player in the realm of truck litigation, he also said that  it is “going to be part of this legal landscape sooner rather than later.”

© 2010, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: driver fatigue, FMCSA, sleep apnea, testing, truck drivers, trucking

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A recent study listed the truck driver occupation as one of the top ten most dangerous jobs in America. Due to the endless driving of our nation’s truckers, being “out there” on the highways and interstates, the obvious danger is the risk of being involved in a major accident. However, the risks go much further than just the obvious…an irregular schedule, sitting for long periods of time, bending and lifting heavy objects, stress, fatigue and the inability to eat properly maintained meals can lead to serious truck driver health issues.

Because of long periods of driving, many drivers fighting boredom are affected by smoking habits and along with sleeping in a vibrating tractor and working long hours and receiving minimal rest, physical problems can alleviate far greater than those within the general public.

Here in the United States, 20% of truck crashes are the direct result of over worked, fatigued drivers. Fatigue is also creating breathing disorders and sleep apnea in many over the road drivers. Also, women drivers show no difference from their male counter parts for suffering from these same health issues. In fact, our women truckers are fighting such health issues as backache, hypertension, headaches, sinus problems and vision impairment, with backache being the second place lead for health problems for truckers. Fatigue, still remains as number one.

Simple steps can insure a path to better health :

1. Know the signs of a heart attack.

2. Exercise while out on the road

3. Control your blood pressure

4. Make healthy fast food choices.

5. Quit smoking

6. Know the signs for a stroke

Here is an excellent resource for combating a poor health lifestyle. Magnesium plus Calcium has been found to be an excellent supplement for providing stress relief and fighting insomnia, as well as many other factors.

The road to health depends on you. Life on the road is hectic….but with the right mind set, better health can be just around the next bend.

About the Author:

Aubrey “Allen” Smith is the author of the first and original Truth About Trucking. An expert in Motor Carrier transportation, he is also the host of the talk radio show: Truth About Trucking “LIVE. Fighting for our nation’s drivers, his informational package is helping to raise the standards of the trucking industry.

© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: calcium, driver fatigue, driver health issues, magnesium, truck driver health, women truckers

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