The many dangers associated with being overweight have been well-documented. Individuals who are overweight are more likely to suffer various adverse health problems. A new study shows that being overweight may also negatively impact an individual's propensity for safe driving. The study shows that truck drivers who are severely obese are 50 percent more likely to be involved in a truck accident.

Looking at the height and weight of roughly 750 truck drivers, researchers involved in the study calculated the drivers' body mass index. Drivers with a BMI of 35 or higher were medically classified as severely obese. Over the course of two years, researchers tracked the driving records of the 750 truck drivers who took part in the study.

In their findings, researchers found that those drivers who were classified as being severely obese were roughly 50 percent more likely to be involved in a truck accident. The study's statistical analysis only showed a correlation between severely obese drivers and trucking accidents. Drivers who were classified as being overweight or obese did not appear to be at an increased risk of being involved in an accident.

While researchers likely need additional time and data to determine the significance of the study's findings, it's likely that sleep plays a factor in the results. Individuals who are severely obese often also suffer from a variety of health problems including sleep apnea. Sleep apnea has been linked to increased feelings of fatigue and tiredness when an individual is awake.

The study's results may help bring about safety changes and new regulations within the trucking community. Some safety advocates are calling for mandatory sleep apnea screening for all licensed truck drivers.

Source: Science, "Big Truckers Run Bigger Risk," Gisela Telis, Oct. 26, 2012