What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The recent call from doctors for mandatory sleep screening of truck drivers is a vital initiative that could transform road safety in India. The alarming frequency of accidents involving heavy vehicles is often linked to fatigue, yet this factor has long been overlooked. A study by the South East Asian Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests that sleep-related issues, like sleep apnea, compromise concentration and alertness, both essential for drivers covering long distances. As a solution, the report proposes that the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) screen drivers based on factors like BMI, sleep patterns, and medical assessments for sleep disorders.
Truck drivers face gruelling schedules and sleep deprivation due to poor infrastructure and high pressure to meet delivery deadlines. Many drivers struggle to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep, citing road insecurity as a key reason. When fatigued, their risk of accidents rises sharply, making sleep screening and regular health checkups imperative.
The All-India Motor Transport Congress supports this initiative and recommends government-funded check-ups and fixed working hours for drivers. Additionally, establishing rest areas every 200 kilometres on highways would offer them a safer environment for breaks.
Implementing this policy could substantially reduce road accidents, enhancing safety for drivers and the public alike. Addressing sleep health is crucial not only for individual well-being but also for fostering a safer transportation system in India.
