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The Essex Casualty Reduction Board - 17 January 2007
Don't drive tired

The Essex Casualty Reduction Board is launching a campaign to cut down on road accidents caused by tiredness while driving.

Each year an estimated 300 people in the UK are killed on the road by drivers who fall asleep at the wheel.

Fatigue can cause 'microsleeps' - brief periods of sleep - which range from a few seconds to several minutes.   A motorist who loses consciousness in this way can unwittingly become a killer.

Laboratory studies have shown that sleep does not occur without warning.   Drivers who fall asleep at the wheel first go through a stage of fighting off drowsiness - usually by opening a window or turning up the radio.  

The following tips can help to avoid fatigue when travelling on the road:

• Have a good night's sleep before setting off on a long journey
• Plan your journey to include a 15 minute break every two hours
• Don't start a long trip if you're already feeling tired
• Try to avoid long journeys between midnight and 6am and 2 to 4pm, when you're most at risk of fatigue
• Share the driving if possible
• Find a safe place to stop (not the hard shoulder) if you feel drowsy
• Drink two cups of coffee or a high-caffeine drink and have a rest for 10 - 15 minutes to allow time for the caffeine to kick in
• Remember that some medications can make you feel tired without realising it.   Ask your pharmacist or GP for advice if you are taking medication and must drive.
• More information can be found on the DfT website www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk

Many long journeys are made by people as part of their job and 40% of all fatigue related crashes involve someone who was at work at the time.   By raising awareness of the risks caused by driving when tired, employers can protect their number one asset - their employees.

Essex County Councillor, Rodney Bass, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation and Chairman of the Essex Casualty Reduction Board commented: "Drivers need to be aware of the potential dangers of getting behind the wheel when they are too tired to drive.   Many crashes could be prevented by thinking ahead when planning a long trip.   Proper rest and frequent breaks can help to keep you alert during the journey."

For more information on any of the Essex Casualty Reduction Board's campaigns visit www.essexcc.gov.uk or telephone 0845 6037631.