Supreme Court Decision, Personal Rights VS Safety on the Road
With Clogged Freeways in Oregon, Road Rage, and Sleep Deprivation we have an issue with Traffic Safety
A truck driver’s lawsuit claiming that the Trucking Carrier Firm Crete’s ‘apnea-screening program’ violates drivers’ rights within the American Disabilities Act went all the way to the Supreme Court, and this spring, it was finally determined that the Supreme Court will not hear a truck driver’s lawsuit against Crete Carrier Corp., leaving in place a lower court ruling in favor of Crete and its policy to require testing for obstructive sleep apnea for certain truckers.
The truck driver was fired for refusing an in-lab sleep study, after his company ordered him to be tested.
Trucking companies can now legally require drivers to be screened for sleep apnea based on their body mass index (BMI) and other criteria, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of heart disease, loud snoring, or have a neck size greater than 17 inches. If tested positive for sleep apnea, the truck driver must seek treatment.
I agree with the SCOTUS ruling. It is clear that the obstructive sleep apnea epidemic is damaging on both a personal and societal level. It is a small step to take but may result in better sleep, and a longer life. In the case of truck drivers, especially long haul drivers, safety to the public roadways should be the major consideration. Lack of sleep and oxygen due to the Sleep Apnea disorder could be potentially fatal to the driver and any driver on roadways with sleep deprived drivers.”
Stop Snoring, Sleep Better, and Live Longer!
The Dental Sleep Apnea Clinic can help you find relief from you sleep apnea. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.