What is the Risk of people with OSA in causing road accidents?
Drivers with OSA have been thoroughly researched as a group with regard to their risk of increased motor vehicle collisions (MVC). As a group, untreated patients with OSA have a 6 – 13 fold increased risk of causing a fatal road accident when compared to the normal population (Teran-Santos, NEJM 1999; 340: 847; Masa A J. Resp Crit Care Med 2000; 162: 1407) These studies have involved large groups of patients and are internationally recognised to reflect the degree of risk of fatal accidents by patients with OSA. The Evidence for Removal of Risk with Treatment Charles FP George and his team at The University of Western Ontario, Canada, published a seminal article in the world renowned journal Thorax in 2001. They have shown quite clearly a Reduction in Motor Vehicle Collisions following treatment of OSA. They studied 210 patients with OSA who were treated for at least 3 years. MVC rates were compared for 3 years before and after therapy for patients and for a control group. Untreated pa
