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Local Phone: 410-685-4474
2723 Annapolis Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21230

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DOT Seeking Sleep Apnea Data

sleep apnea

Sleep apnea studies help us to understand more about how to treat sleep apnea.

Recently, the Department of Transportation (DOT) published a notice that it is seeking feedback from the trucking industry on the prevalence of sleep apnea.

DOT is looking into how widespread this issue is, as well as the costs associated with treatment. Known as “pre-rule,” this is the first step in proposing specific requirements around sleep apnea conditions.

Sleep Apnea Data

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Federal Railroad Association have teamed up to work on this issue. These associations have a list of 20 questions that they would like answered by the public. The questions cover everything from:

  • The cost and benefits of treatment
  • The problem of obstructive sleep
  • Diagnostics
  • Screening Procedures
  • Qualification standards of medical personnel
  • Treatment Effectiveness

The goal is to help improve current and future driver safety. The agencies will also be looking at the potential economic impact and safety benefits of regulatory actions.

The Questions on Sleep Apnea

If you want to have your voice heard, you will have 90 days to leave a comment. The open comment period will close after June 8. If you do have sleep apnea, it’s especially important to make sure that you submit your responses on time so that the agencies have as much data as possible.

Understanding the Pre-Rule Activity for Sleep Apnea

This news may seem sudden in the industry, but there have actually been steps in place since 2000 to learn more about this issue. Almost 16 years ago, FMCSA’s Medical Review Board started issuing recommendations on the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of truckers who were afflicted with sleep apnea issues. Then, in 2013, Congress passed legislation that instructs FMCSA on the approach it must take regarding OSA. Right now, the legislation does not require that any agency issue a sleep apnea regulation or policy. But the legislation does state that no policy can be issued unless an agency first conducts a detailed analysis of the prevalence of OSA among commercial truck drivers. Agencies must also look at the possible methods to address the problem, and the agency must also look at the costs and benefits that may result from potential solutions.

Get In Touch With Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star Today

If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to discover more about commercial truck sales, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474 or email us your questions and concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com. Does your truck need repair, maintenance, or service? Contact our service manager, Jessica Levine, at jessica.levine@baltimorefreightliner.com.

Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, expand your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the best choice in trucking.

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Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is an award-winning, authorized dealer for new and used medium-duty and heavy-duty Freightliner and Western Star trucks and Sprinter Vans. We also provide expert service repair for Detroit Diesel, Cummins, Caterpillar, and Mercedes-Benz engines.
2723 Annapolis Rd
Baltimore
MD
21230
USA