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MPs to debate safety risk of sleep disorder
Page 9
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By Louise Cote A PARLIAMENTARY debate on the effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) on the trucking industry, which is to be held in the next two weeks, is expected to find that the condition is widely underdiagnosed and a major road safety risk.
The debate is being called for by Meg Munn, Sheffield Heely MP, and will require an answering statement From DfT minister Jim Fitzpatrick. Louise Ellman MP, head of the Transport Select Committee, will also be looking at the issue.
OSA interrupts sufferers' breathing during sleep, which causes chronic fatigue. Current rules ban sufferers from driving until they receive treatment.
Mike Harrison, research and communications officer at Meg Munn's office, says: "We want either employers or the DVLA to be responsible for ensuring that drivers are checked for this condition. We would also like a campaign to inform drivers that their licence is only suspended until they receive treatment."
Dr Louise Reyner, a senior lecturer in sleep research at Loughborough Sleep Research Centre. says: "We know that 20% to 25% of all trunk-road collisions are caused by people falling asleep, and the most serious collisions in recent years have been caused by apnoeics. OSA puts a huge strain on the sufferer's health."