Speaking at yesterday's 'Road Safety at Work' conference in Dublin, Professor Jim Horne noted that the greatest reason for truck drivers being killed is falling asleep at the wheel.
Sleep apnea is a condition whereby normal breathing while asleep is interrupted, periodically waking the sufferer.
Part of the reason for sleep apnea is obesity, Professor Horne said, noting that obesity was a characteristic of many truck drivers.
But he said that sleep apnea is a condition for which successful treatment is available, and can usually work 'within two weeks'.
He added that some form of screening to detect the problem is required in the industry.
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