Fighting Sleep Apnea in Texas Truck Drivers, One Trucking Company at a Time

by Greg Marks greg@guajardomarks.com

Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans. While this is an issue for all who suffer from the disorder, it is truckers and their high risk of suffering from sleep apnea that have been getting a lot of attention. One woman who hopes to keep the spotlight focused on the trucking industry is Wanda Lindsay.

Wanda and her husband, John Lindsey were just coming in to Texarkana when they were slowed by a construction zone. Unfortunately, the semi-truck behind them was not paying attention to the road and slammed into the back of the Lindsay's car without even hitting the brakes. While Wanda survived, John died from the massive head injury he received during the accident.

The Role of Sleep Apnea in the Texas Semi-Truck Accident

Accident reports showed that the truck driver was distracted at the time of the crash and further investigations found that the driver had been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea two months before the fatal collision. While the trucking company that the driver worked for denied knowing that the driver suffered from the disorder, they recently changed their story. Just days before the Lindsay's lawsuit was to go to trial, Celadon trucking company admitted that sleep apnea had an effect on the truck driver's performance, likely causing the accident. The case was settled out of court.

The Scope of the Problem and One Accident Victim's Solution

Sleep apnea affects up to one third of all truck drivers. The disorder causes the sufferer to not get the restful sleep they need, making drivers with sleep apnea seven times more likely to get into an accident involving injuries.

To honor her late husband, and to prevent further accidents caused by drivers with sleep apnea, Wanda has created the John Lindsey Foundation. The non-profit pushes companies to screen all truck drivers for sleep apnea and to ensure that drivers with the disorder are treated. So far, the Foundation has been successful in getting at least one company to alter their policies. The Schneider Trucking Company now requires that all drivers are screened for sleep apnea by a physician. This simple step has reduced the company's medical costs and has led to a lower accident rate.

The staff and attorneys at the Dallas 18 wheeler accident law firm of Guajardo & Marks applaud the efforts that Mrs. Lindsey has made to end sleep apnea in truckers. We can only hope that in the future, trucking companies work harder to ensure that their drivers have had the sleep they need before getting behind the wheel, reducing the likelihood of an accident caused by sleep apnea in Dallas and throughout the country.

For additional information regarding Wanda Lindsay's effort, visit the following sites:

SleepApneaKills.org

The John Lindsay Foundation

If you have been involved in a semi-truck accident in Dallas, know your rights. Call 877.290.1382 t contact an experienced Dallas personal injury attorney at Guajardo & Marks today for your free consultation.