Teenagers tend to sleep long and into the late morning due to changes in their internal circadian rhythm. If they do not achieve the 8 to 10 hours of sleep recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, they may drive distracted, forget to wear their seatbelt and take more risks. West Virginia residents should know that one way to minimize this risk is to change school start times.
What commercial vehicle drivers can do to avoid fatigue
Commercial motor vehicle drivers in West Virginia and across the U.S. are liable to work while in a drowsy state of mind, which is dangerous. Research shows, for example, that being awake for 18 consecutive hours impairs one in the same way that having a BAC of .08 does.
Report calls for updating of NHTSA's car safety rating system
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration established a five-star car safety rating system in the 1990s, and it has no doubt helped automakers continue to build safer vehicles. However, one report argues that the system is becoming outdated in the face of technological advances. West Virginia drivers should know that the safety rating is based on a series of crash tests conducted in a lab with crash dummies.
Protect your interests with certain estate planning tools
Planning for emergencies and unexpected situations may seem unnecessary, especially for a West Virginia adult who is young and healthy. You may not see the need to have certain types of protections in place, but you will be immensely thankful that you took the time to think about these things if you ever find yourself hurt or sick. Certain estate planning documents, particularly a power of attorney, can allow you to make certain decisions for yourself.
Sleep apnea among truckers, and how it can be treated
Sleep apnea is a dangerous disorder that affects about 4% of the general population. However, as those in the trucking industry are aware, it affects around 35% of truckers in West Virginia and across the U.S. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type of sleep apnea, occurs when a person's throat muscles and mouth palate relax and collapse, occasionally blocking the upper airway and interrupting sleep.
CVSA's inspection blitz scheduled for early May
In West Virginia and across the nation, large trucks are a constant on the roadways. Since these big vehicles can cause a lot of damage, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has a yearly International Roadcheck inspection blitz to help encourage compliance with federal safety regulations. The 2020 inspection spree has been scheduled for May 5-7
