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Drivers With Sleep Apnea More Likely to Be in Car Accidents

Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook

Research Links More Car Accidents to Drivers Suffering from Sleep Apnea

man with sleep apnea yawning behind the wheelMore people are being diagnosed with sleep apnea in California and unfortunately, the condition could impact a person's ability to drive safely. People with sleep apnea stop breathing on and off throughout the night, causing them to not get an adequate amount of sleep at night.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition and a new study found that people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) are more likely to be in a car accident.

Why Does Sleep Apnea Increase the Risk of Accidents?

Researchers say that nearly 80% of individuals who suffer from OSA are undiagnosed and unaware of their condition and the risk that they pose to other drivers. Drivers with untreated or undiagnosed sleep apnea are more dangerous on the road due to not getting enough sleep at night.

Driving drowsy is a serious safety issue on the road and people with sleep apnea are more likely to drive drowsy or fall asleep behind the wheel. Reports show that over 18 million people in the U.S. have sleep apnea, which means that many people may be driving drowsy in California and throughout the country.

People with sleep apnea should take the appropriate steps to treat their condition. It is important for people with sleep apnea to be aware of when they may be too tired to drive and take steps to make sure they are not at risk for falling asleep behind the wheel.

If you've been injured by a drowsy or negligent driver, get in touch with a Walnut Creek car accident attorney today!

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information, "Sleep Apnea And Its Role In Transportation Safety" Dec 22, 2017

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