Wake up before getting behind the wheel, motorists warned
Posted by Susannah Mayers
Motorists are being warned of the consequences of not being fully awake before they set off on long journeys this summer.
Roadsafe explained that driver sleepiness is thought to be the cause of around 300 road deaths each year in the UK.
The road safety organisation warned motorists who drive in the early hours or along monotonous stretches that they are at risk of microsleeps, which last between two and thirty seconds.
RoadSafes director Adrian Walsh said: “Many people dont realise they are at risk of falling asleep at the wheel.”
“Just one nights disturbed sleep can cause extreme short-term tiredness, resulting in a moments lapse in concentration,” he added.
The organisation recommended those who feel tired while driving to stop in a safe place, drink two cups of coffee and take a 20-minute nap before getting back on the road.
Just last week Roadsafe welcomed the European Commissions Road Safety Programme, which has high targets of halving European road deaths by 2020.
Falling asleep behind the wheel is extremely dangerous but also worryingly common. Have you ever felt yourself drifting off while driving?
Probably best to have the sleep first and THEN drink the coffee!