0000000000869825
AUTHOR
Dan Smyth
New rules on driver licensing for patients with obstructive sleep apnea: European Union Directive 2014/85/EU
Editorial, no abstract
New rules on driver licensing for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: EU Directive 2014/85/EU.
The widespread recognition that obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) represents an important risk factor for motor vehicle accidents (MVA), which is reversed by successful therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), has led to a revision of annex III of the European Union (EU) directive on driving licences that is subject to mandatory implementation by all member states from December 31, 2015 [1]. This directive was the result of recommendations from a working group established by the Transport and Mobility Directorate of the European Commission in 2012 [2]. The directive states [1] Joint ERS/ESRS working group on the EU directive on issuing driving licences in obstructive sleep apno…
European Respiratory Society statement on sleep apnoea, sleepiness and driving risk
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is highly prevalent and is a recognised risk factor for motor vehicle accidents (MVA). Effective treatment with continuous positive airway pressure has been associated with a normalisation of this increased accident risk. Thus, many jurisdictions have introduced regulations restricting the ability of OSA patients from driving until effectively treated. However, uncertainty prevails regarding the relative importance of OSA severity determined by the apnoea–hypopnoea frequency per hour and the degree of sleepiness in determining accident risk. Furthermore, the identification of subjects at risk of OSA and/or accident risk remains elusive. The introduction of off…