P ROAD SAFETY
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MPs back sleep campaign call
A CROSS-PARTY GROUP of MPs has Packed a call from road safety charity Brake for a renewed publicity campaign, targeted at HGV drivers, to raise awareness of the dangers of obstructive sleep apnoea (USA) one sympton of which can be chronic snoring that prevents a good night's sleep.
The call follows a survey of 4,000 drivers by OnePoll, which revealed one in six said they had fallen asleep behind the wheel. The survey showed that of those who had dozed off on the road, 69% were overweight, a significant contributory factor In OSA.
Jute Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake,
says: "We want to see government investment in awareness campaigns, especially aimed at CV drivers, so they understand the signs of sleep apnoea."
MPs from all major parties have backed Brake's calls for a campaign. Norman Lamb MP says. 'Research suggests that USA can lead to the same poor reaction time and judgement as someone who Is over the drink-drive limit."
Kate Gibbs. head of communications at the Road Haulage Association, says: "We would support voluntary testing of drivers. The driver himself should also take responsibility for his health."