Over Half of Motorists Drive Tired

A recent survey has shown that over half of motorists on UK road are driving when tired, a common cause for road traffic accidents.

55% of the 1,000 drivers questioned admitted to operating a vehicle when fatigued – with many even conceding that they drive for endless hours without rest.

Basic advice is to take regular breaks when on long journeys, with a break of ten to fifteen minutes every two hours being the recommended amount. However 14% of male drivers have admitted to driving for more than six hours without a single break, compared to just 3% of female drivers.

A startling 35% of drivers admitted to feeling tired behind the wheel, and even refusing to pull over and “push through” the tiredness – even when they feel drowsy through fatigue.

The director of the RAC Foundation, Professor Stephen Glaister, has reported that in terms of official figures, as little as 2% of reported accidents are attributed to tiredness. However experts estimate that the actual figure could be a shocking amount higher – even up to as much as 10 times the actual figure.

Professor Glaister also added as a warning: “Tiredness-related crashes tend to be more severe as drivers are unable to take evasive action.”

Arguments are currently underway to introduce additional rest areas to UK motorways, which are already in action in most of Europe. Unlike full service stations, these would be smaller rest stops that drivers can easily access to take a short break or a nap.

So if you’re going on a long journey, think ahead – take a short break every two hours at maximum, and pull over as soon as you feel tired.

This could save yours and your loved ones lives.

Safe driving from Britannia!

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