North West Drivers Urged To Take A Break To Avoid Road Deaths

Date published: 16/07/2004

The dangers of falling asleep while driving are highlighted in a Department for Transport radio campaign running throughout July.

This campaign focuses on 'microsleeps' - the brief doze that can be fatal if you are behind the wheel.

Microsleeps usually only last between 2 and 30 seconds, yet in just 6 seconds a car travelling at 70mph on a motorway will have covered an eighth of a mile - enough time to run off the road or crash into another vehicle.

The radio campaign urges drivers to think about the risks of driving tired and plan their journeys to allow for sufficient rest breaks.

Road Safety Officer Barbara Hindle and Inspector Brian Wood of Greater Manchester Police launched the campaign in the North West at Birch services on the M62 with a double bed featuring a specially designed headboard warning that 'Tiredness kills - take a break'.

Minister for Road Safety David Jamieson said:
"Sleep related crashes are more likely to result in death or serious injury than other types of road accident. Research indicates that about 300 people a year are killed in tiredness related crashes, yet by planning your journey so that you don't become overtired it is possible to avoid this risk. I hope the radio advertisements will encourage people to think about the risks and avoid driving for long periods without a rest."

Barbara Hindle, the Road Safety Officer for Rochdale, said:
"About a fifth of motorway collisions and one in 10 crashes on all Britain's roads are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel, but people do not suddenly doze off without warning. If you find yourself fighting sleep by turning the radio up or winding the window down then it is time to stop for a break.

"You are never more than a few miles from an exit or a service station on Britain's motorways and by taking the time to have a coffee and a short nap you could be saving your own life."

Inspector Brian Wood of Greater Manchester Police said:
"A drowsy or sleepy driver typically runs off the road or into another vehicle. Consequently, sleep related crashes often result in death or serious injuries due to the lack of braking and higher speeds involved."

"If a driver falls asleep at the wheel and someone is killed, we would consider a charge of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison, a fine and disqualification."

"Before a driver regains their licence they have to resit a driving test. My message is 'Think! Don't Drive Tired!' "

Drivers are particularly at risk at times when the body clock winds down. This typically occurs between midnight and 6.00am, with the hours between 2.00am and 4.00am being the most perilous. Men under 30 are most at risk from sleep related accidents.

Useful tips to reduce the effects of tiredness include:

• Never start a journey if you are already feeling sleepy
• Try to avoid making long trips between midnight and 6.00 am
• Do not drive if you are taking medicines that cause drowsiness
• Avoid driving for long distances after a hard day's work
• If you are travelling with friends or family share the driving if possible
• Stop for a 15-minute break every two hours on a long journey
• If you start to feel sleepy, find a safe place to stop (not on the hard shoulder)
• Drink 2 cups of coffee, or a high caffeine drink
• Take a short nap and resume your journey 15-20 minutes later
• Remember that opening the window or turning up the radio will do little to stop you falling asleep at the wheel