DRIVING TIP
NUMBER 13
28 March 2008
Too tired to drive?
A simple yawn can mean a few things – you’re stuck in a boring meeting or it’s time for an early night, for example.
But a recent survey by the Department for Transport (DfT) said that motorists who ignore that innocent yawn are putting themselves and other road users at risk if they press on regardless.
As many as one in five of all crashes on major roads are caused by tired drivers. And it may be even more - because those drivers that survive a crash (or a near miss) are unlikely to admit that they were too tired to drive when it happened.
The DfT said that we all want to finish our journeys as quickly as possible but being tired at the wheel is a “proven killer” that we cannot ignore. Those who drive for work are particularly at risk.
The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) said that although falling asleep straight away while you’re driving is very rare, it is surprising how many people ignore the signs of fatigue beforehand. The IAM advises:
* Don't start a long trip if you're already tired. Remember that a working day away from the office will involve extra travelling time that could leave you exhausted by the time you are heading for home.
* Plan your journey to include at least a 15minute break every two hours, even if you feel you don’t need it. You will be refreshed. Use the break away from the car to catch up with phone messages.
* If you feel drowsy, don’t press on regardless. Find a safe place to stop (but not the hard shoulder). If you have a nap, take the keys out the ignition and lock the car doors.
* As an emergency measure 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.
Lastly, don’t rely on what some drivers admitted to as their solution – slapping themselves in the face! Other non-solutions reported to the IAM include turning up the radio, singing, shaking the head vigorously and opening all the windows.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Issued by the IAM Press Office, telephone 020 8996 9625 . We have an ISDN line for interviews.
2. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 160,000 road users a year (full members, associates and commercial clients) in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s leading road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy. IAM Fleet, the corporate arm of the IAM, has two subsidiary companies, Drive & Survive and Fleet Ireland. It also operates IAM Pro-Drive.
3. A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that “advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement”, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude. The “Driving Tips” provided by the IAM are part of our broader road safety mission and not intended as a substitute for the advanced driving course.
4. In January 2007, the IAM Motoring Trust was established as the research and advocacy arm of the IAM. The IAM Motoring Trust will undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training
