STUDY: OBESE TRUCK DRIVERS MORE LIKELY TO BE INVOLVED IN CRASHES
Obese truck drivers are more likely than their normal-weight coworkers to have an accident in their first two years on the road according to a new study published by researchers at the University of Minnesota.
Researchers found that combined with the long hours, sedentary nature and sometimes stressful conditions, the profession was not naturally conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Many studies have already shown that most truck drivers don’t get enough sleep and are more likely to be overweight and have sleep disorders along with suffer from sleeping disorders.
According to the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial truck drivers are involved in more than 4000 fatal crashes yearly and more than 13 percent are due to fatigued and other physical conditions.
Those with a body mass index greater than 30 are considered obese. Researchers also found drivers who were extremely obese, or with BMIs greater than 35 were between 43 percent and 55 percent more likely than drivers with normal BMIs to crash.
Researchers concluded some of the increased risk may be due to sleep apnea, which interferes with normal sleeping and is more common in overweight and obese people.
If you have suffered serious injuries in any type of truck related accident, it is important to discuss your situation with an experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorney. Call today for an immediate initial consultation.
Oct 28, 2012
Researchers found that combined with the long hours, sedentary nature and sometimes stressful conditions, the profession was not naturally conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Many studies have already shown that most truck drivers don’t get enough sleep and are more likely to be overweight and have sleep disorders along with suffer from sleeping disorders.
According to the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial truck drivers are involved in more than 4000 fatal crashes yearly and more than 13 percent are due to fatigued and other physical conditions.
Those with a body mass index greater than 30 are considered obese. Researchers also found drivers who were extremely obese, or with BMIs greater than 35 were between 43 percent and 55 percent more likely than drivers with normal BMIs to crash.
Researchers concluded some of the increased risk may be due to sleep apnea, which interferes with normal sleeping and is more common in overweight and obese people.
If you have suffered serious injuries in any type of truck related accident, it is important to discuss your situation with an experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorney. Call today for an immediate initial consultation.
Oct 28, 2012