Leaders meet to address ‘hidden killer’ on the roads

Leaders of Britain’s car and lorry fleets will meet in Northampton tomorrow (Wednesday, June 15) to address the issue of sleep apnoea, which can cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel.

The conference – Sleep apnoea - the hidden killer - run by road safety charity Brake, will hear that 700,000 Britons are thought to suffer from sleep apnoea. More than 160 deaths are caused by tired drivers annually, but this could be the tip of an iceberg.

Accidents can kill many people as they often involve large vehicles.

Obesity is a major factor in sleep apnoea, and the conference follows research published in the British Medical Journal, showing how weight loss can provide a highly successful long-term cure.

Speakers at the conference will include:

• Professor Tony Leeds, Medical Director of Cambridge Weight Plan, on spotting the symptoms and treatments

• Dr Paul Jackson, Clockwork Research, on managing the risk

• Joan Pearce, National Health and Safety Advisor, Allied Bakeries, outlining how her company tackles the issue