January 16, 2025
How Sleep Apnea Can Cause a Car Accident?
Most of us recognize the dangers of driving under the influence and texting and driving, but driving with an underlying medical condition is a different story. We are referring to sleep apnea, a significant health issue that poses serious risks for motorists. When untreated, it can lead to serious car accidents. What is this condition, and how does it cause crashes?
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway.
These interruptions often cause individuals to wake up momentarily, disrupting the sleep cycle. People with sleep apnea frequently experience excessive daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and slower reaction times, all of which can impair driving ability.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Driving?
Sleep apnea reduces the quality and quantity of restful sleep. This leads to excessive fatigue, slower reflexes, and poor decision-making. Drivers with sleep apnea may experience microsleep episodes, which are brief, uncontrollable lapses into sleep lasting a few seconds. These moments are particularly dangerous when operating a vehicle, as they can result in delayed braking, swerving, or missing traffic signals.
In addition, individuals with sleep apnea often struggle with concentration and alertness. That increases the likelihood of mistakes behind the wheel, which can lead to collisions.
What Are the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea in Drivers?
Drivers with sleep apnea often exhibit certain signs that could indicate a heightened risk for accidents. Common symptoms include excessive daytime drowsiness, difficulty staying awake while driving, and frequent yawning. Other indicators may include loud snoring, waking up gasping for air, and morning headaches.
Someone driving with sleep apnea might exhibit driving behaviors similar to someone who is DUI or asleep behind the wheel. Examples include drifting into other lanes, not proceeding at a green light, and driving off the road.
How Common Are Accidents Caused by Sleep Apnea?
Accidents caused by sleep apnea are more common than many realize. Studies estimate that drivers with untreated sleep apnea are two to three times more likely to be involved in a traffic collision. This increased risk stems from the combination of fatigue, impaired concentration, and slower response times. Commercial drivers are at a heightened risk for fatigued driving due to the long hours they spend on the road.
Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated to Reduce Driving Risks?
Yes. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment that helps keep airways open during sleep. This therapy can improve sleep quality and reduce daytime drowsiness, making it safer for individuals to drive.
Other treatments include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to address anatomical issues contributing to sleep apnea. Following a prescribed treatment plan can help drivers manage their symptoms and lower the likelihood of accidents.
How Can I Prove That Another Driver’s Sleep Apnea Caused My Crash?
Proving that another driver’s sleep apnea contributed to a crash requires gathering evidence that links their medical condition to the incident. This may involve obtaining their medical records to confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis and determining whether it was untreated or poorly managed.
Witness testimony, including observations of erratic driving or signs of drowsiness before the crash, can strengthen the case. Accident reports and expert opinions on how fatigue may have caused the collision can also be helpful. We can handle these steps and determine how the condition may have contributed to negligence in the accident.
A Skilled Norristown Car Accident Lawyer at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. Can Represent You in a Sleep Apnea-Related Crash Claim
If you believe sleep apnea was a contributing factor in your car accident in Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, or Norristown, we can clarify your options. Contact a skilled Norristown car accident lawyer at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. to determine the best course of action for your situation. To schedule a free consultation, call our Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, offices at 267-861-7100 or complete our online form.