Should Sleep Apnea Testing Be Mandatory for Commercial Drivers in India?
A Wake-Up Call for Road Safety
In June 2025, a heartbreaking accident on NH-48 close to Gurugram resulted in the death of a young law student when a speeding vehicle lost control. The civil engineer behind the wheel later admitted that he had dozed off while driving. Unfortunately, this event is not an isolated case. Fatigue-induced crashes are a silent epidemic on Indian roads, often underreported and misunderstood.
Unseen fatigue from sleep apnea doesn’t just blur your vision—it blurs the line between safety and tragedy on the road.
Introduction
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder contributing to daytime drowsiness and impaired alertness. Symptoms include loud snoring, frequent awakenings, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Despite its widespread occurrence, India lacks mandatory screening for sleep apnea among commercial drivers, a demographic particularly susceptible due to their extended hours and irregular sleep patterns. This article examines the necessity of making sleep apnea testing compulsory for commercial drivers, framing it not only as a vital health initiative but also as an essential enhancement to road safety.
Understanding Sleep Apnea and Its Impact on Drivers
OSA is a sleep-related breathing disorder where the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing fragmented rest and oxygen deprivation.
Common symptoms include:
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Mood disturbances
- Sedentary work and high BMI
- Night driving and shift schedules
- Limited access to restful sleep
The Global Perspective: What Other Countries Are Doing
Several countries have recognised the link between sleep disorders and road safety:
- USA: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommends screening drivers with high BMI, hypertension, or fatigue-related incidents.
- Europe: EU Directive 2014/85/EU mandates that drivers with moderate or severe OSA must show treatment compliance to retain their licence.
- Australia and Canada: Both countries require periodic medical checks for commercial drivers, including assessments for sleep disorders.
The Indian Context: Challenges and Gaps
Despite the alarming statistics, India lacks a structured approach to sleep disorder screening for drivers. Key challenges include:
- Policy vacuum: No mandatory sleep testing for licence issuance or renewal.
- Low awareness: Many drivers and medical examiners are unfamiliar with the symptoms of OSA.
- Underdiagnosis:Cultural misconceptions (e.g., associating snoring with deep sleep) hinder recognition.
- Infrastructure gaps: Limited sleep clinics and trained professionals, especially in Tier 2 and rural areas.
- Stigma and fear: Drivers worry about job loss or being labelled unfit.
- Financial barriers: CPAP therapy and diagnostics can be costly.
- Union resistance: Transport bodies fear disruption and added burden.
Arguments in Favour of Mandatory Testing
Making sleep apnea screening mandatory offers multiple benefits:
Public safety: Preventing drowsy driving can save thousands of lives annually.Driver health: Early diagnosis improves sleep quality, reduces cardiovascular risks, and enhances mental well-being.
Economic impact: Fewer accidents mean lower insurance claims, repair costs, and medical expenses.
Workforce stability: Healthy drivers are more productive, with fewer sick days and longer careers.
Policy integration: Including OSA screening in routine fitness tests for licence renewals is a practical step forward.
CareOne MediMart supports this vision by offering accessible diagnostics and therapy solutions tailored for commercial drivers.
Concerns and Counterarguments
Opponents of mandatory testing raise valid concerns:
Cost of testing and treatment: Sleep studies and CPAP machines may be unaffordable for many.
Corruption risks: Mandatory medical checks could be misused or manipulated.
Employment fears: Drivers may avoid diagnosis to protect their livelihood.
Logistical hurdles: Rural areas lack access to sleep clinics or specialists.
However, these can be addressed through:
Subsidies and insurance coverage for diagnostics and therapy
Mobile screening clinics in high-traffic transport hubs
Government–private partnerships to scale infrastructure
Awareness campaigns to destigmatise sleep disorders
A Balanced Way Forward
Rather than blanket enforcement, India could adopt a phased or risk-based approach:
Start with high-risk groups: Drivers with a BMI >30, hypertension, or a history of fatigue-related crashes.
Integrate screening into routine exams: Add sleep-related questions to license fitness tests.
Train RTOs and health personnel to equip them to identify and refer suspected cases.
Leverage public–private partnerships: Expand sleep testing capacity with support from providers like CareOne MediMart.
Launch awareness drives: Educate drivers, employers, and unions about the risks and benefits.
This approach strikes a balance between safety, feasibility, and compassion.
Conclusion
Sleep is not a luxury — it’s a lifesaving necessity, especially for those who drive for a living. With over 1.5 lakh road deaths annually in India, many linked to fatigue, ignoring sleep apnea is no longer an option.
CareOne MediMart stands ready to support this transformation with affordable, accessible sleep therapy solutions — from CPAP and BiPAP machines to diagnostic tools and counselling.
While challenges exist, the benefits of mandatory sleep apnea screening far outweigh the risks. It’s time India recognised sleep health as a cornerstone of road safety.
Let’s wake up before another driver falls asleep at the wheel.
References:Fatal Slumber: Gurugram Accident Exposes India’s Silent Road Killer in 2025