Excessive daytime sleepiness and driving: regulations for road safety

Authors: Carter, Tim; Major, Heather; Wetherall, Graham; Nicholson, Anthony

Source: Clinical Medicine, Journal of the Royal College of Physicians, Vol. 4 No. 5 September/October 2004 , pp. 452-454(3)

Publisher: Royal College of Physicians

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Abstract:

Individuals who fall asleep at the wheel usually do so because they are sleep deprived. It is likely that they are aware of the circumstances leading to sleepiness and of feeling sleepy before the event. Nevertheless, sleepiness sufficient to cause or contribute to an accident may involve a disorder of sleep, and little attention has been given to such disorders in the consideration of accident prevention. In this context, the Department for Transport brought together a group to explore the potential significance of sleep disorders in accidents. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has clarified existing regulations, particularly those that concern vocational drivers.

Keywords: MEDICAL LICENSING; REGULATION; ROAD VEHICLE ACCIDENTS; SLEEP DISORDERS

Document Type: Review article

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