Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Drivers are 15 times more likely to be involved in a deadly motor vehicle accident when they have excessive daytime sleepiness, a common symptom of sleep apnea. Motor vehicle accidents due to drowsy driving account for $48 billion in medical cost each year.
Current legislation recommends that commercial drivers get screened and treated for sleep apnea. However, many drivers do not know that they have sleep apnea. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. 80-90 % of cases remain undiagnosed and untreated. The Institute of Medicine reports 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders, including apnea.