Last year, New York state lawmakers zeroed in on commercial transportation. It’s been risky for folks riding various tourist and transportation buses. One commercial driving school even got shut down after they tried to help people cheat on driving tests. Now, new **safety standards** for commercial buses span across the whole state.

Now New York commercial truck drivers who might be at risk for developing or already have sleep apnea are coming under federal scrutiny. U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in conjunction with the American Transportation Research Institute of the American Trucking Associations, will begin screening commercial driver’s license holders thought to be susceptible to sleep apnea. The individuals who will be selected for screening will be those with a body mass index of 35 or above. If you have a number that high you will be forced to undergo mandatory sleep apnea testing or have to surrender your commercial driving privileges.

It is believed that sleep apnea sufferers are under stress brought about by their inability to get a good nights sleep. This stress can create fatigue which can lead to drivers falling asleep at the wheel, reduced attention span or reaction times and an inability to focus. Sleep apnea sufferers are prone to excessive snoring and often have trouble breathing while they are asleep. They are also known to have a high body mass index.

There is no known cure for sleep apnea. Treatments vary and results of those treatments vary even more widely.

It is not yet clear what will become of commercial drivers who test positive for sleep apnea. There are currently no plans to remove their licenses or prevent them from driving or working, but it seems likely that some further measures will be taken once the risk of sleep apnea has been identified.