and done’ situation.” Overall, though, Christensen said he believed that one of the easiest things a school bus driver can do to maintain their safety record, beyond avoiding those pesky outside distractions, is to get a good night’s sleep. “A well-rested body makes all the difference in the world in regards to being alert, being fit, having a good attitude, and being a good employee,” he said. One of the obstructions to a full-night’s rest is sleep apnea, for which the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad- ministration (FMCSA) has released a new set of guide- lines to help detect and prevent. Te FMCSA created these new rules due to the fact, as Veeder stressed, that “sleep apnea has many negative effects on the body.” “Te most relevant to drivers is excessive daytime sleepiness,” said Veeder. “Some studies find it is com- parable to being under the influence of alcohol when looking at delayed reaction times and motor vehicle accidents. Te extended periods of decreased blood oxy-
gen that result from sleep apnea have also been found to cause significant organ disease.” Veeder pointed to the rising obesity rates as obesity is a primary cause of sleep ap- nea. Due to these new federal regulations, certified medi- cal examiners “now have an obligation to screen for sleep apnea during the certification process. A positive screening tool may result in the driver
needing to get further medical testing.” Yet, the tests are an arduous process that come with a hefty price tag, especially for those without health insur- ance, which can come with out-of-pocket costs of $5,000. However, at least in Lawrence, drivers in this position have resources, Veeder stating that the city has two clinics for the uninsured that will provide the necessary care. Ultimately, though, Veeder and other health officials
are pretty much unanimous in promoting basic nu- trition and suitable exercise can reverse this spiraling trend. Veeder underlined the effectiveness of starting
WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED "FRONT TO BACK"
Your one stop for replacement parts, special needs and pre-school transportation products for all bus body types.
the Complete Heating Solution... Congratulates
Thomas Built Buses on their
100 Year anniversary!
www.proheat.com
62 School Transportation News • MAY 2016
Check out our redesigned website at:
www.buspartswarehouse.com
Or call our Sales Consultants at 800-635-5567
We're here to help with same day shipment of common stock parts.
P.O. Box Fax – 877-682-4443
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
