Not much got accomplished in Washington DC during October but, Public Law #113-45 (the sleep apnea bill) was passed and signed. During a government shut-down no less! Why did everyone feel this was so important? Simple, it is estimated that over 1500 people die and 40,000 are injured due to sleep apnea related accidents each year.

The new law requires that a formal rule-making process be followed regarding sleep apnea screening, testing, and treatment of truckers and other commercial motor vehicle operators. The trucking industry is on board with the new law.

Sleep apnea and long distance driving are a bad combination. Many serious accidents over the past several years involving large trucks or buses filled with passengers (even train accidents) have been tied to the vehicle operator suffering from sleep apnea.

The sleep apnea bill that was signed into law will develop industry-wide rules for who should be tested (above a certain BMI or another standard) and how to ensure compliance with treatment. Trucking companies want direction because they can be considered liable if one of their drivers has an accident due to sleep apnea.

Commercial drivers are not the only ones affected by sleep problems. Automobile drivers who suffer from untreated sleep apnea are seven times as likely to be involved in an accident!

Find out if you are at risk of obstructive sleep apnea and your treatment options by contacting Columbus, OH sleep apnea dentist Dr. Mark Levy today at 614-476-6696.