SLEEP DISORDERS AND ROAD SAFETY

Early day motion 921, tabled 14 March 2005 by Alice Mahon (Labour). Signed by 89 members.

That this House recognises the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's finding that up to one fifth of all road accidents resulting in death or serious injury are caused by driver sleepiness; notes that at least one per cent. of the United Kingdom's adult population has a medical cause for sleepiness but that an estimated 80 per cent. of people with sleep disorders are unaware they have a treatable medical condition; acknowledges the Royal College of Physician's observation that untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnoea sufferers may have driving impairments comparable with drivers in excess of the legal alcohol limit; further acknowledges that Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is readily treatable with a machine costing ú300 which lasts for 10 years but that the Sleep Apnoea Trust has evidence of individuals who have suffered fatal crashes whilst on NHS waiting lists; further notes the research undertaken by the Sleep Centre at Edinburgh University which shows the cost of treating 500 sleep apnoea patients with continuous positive airway pressure treatment for five years would be a total of ú400,000 in comparison to the estimated cost of accidents caused by untreated patients with sleep apnoea over the same five year period being ú5,300,000; and urges the Government to seize the opportunity of the Road Safety Bill to incorporate this issue into its proposals on driver sleepiness by helping to raise awareness of sleep disorders amongst unknowing sufferers and by improving the provision of NHS diagnosis and treatment services.

Signatures by party: Labour 59, Liberal Democrat 13, Conservative 6, Labour/Co-operative 5, DUP 3, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.