One third of drivers have fallen asleep at the wheel – report09 January 2014

One in three drivers has fallen asleep at the wheel, according to figures released today (9 January 2014) by road safety charity Brake.

Men are the worst offenders, with almost half (45%) admitting to nodding off briefly, while one in five (22%) female drivers have done the same.

Almost half of all drivers (49%) say they have driven after less than five hours' sleep.

The charity is calling for all drivers to ensure that they have plenty of sleep and take regular two-hourly breaks while driving. It says 300 people are killed on UK roads each year as a consequence of tired drivers.

Working drivers are particularly at risk, because they typically spend longer hours at the wheel. Nearly half of tiredness-related crashes involve someone driving a commercial vehicle, according to DfT (Department of Transport) figures.

"The fact that so many drivers – especially men – have head-nodded at the wheel is horrifying," says Julie Townsend, Brake's deputy chief executive.

"We need all drivers to wake up to the fact that 'head nodding' is falling asleep, and can easily lead to catastrophe. But it can, of course be prevented," she continues.

"Brake urges all drivers to pledge to get a good night's sleep before driving, take breaks every two hours, and never try to 'plough on' when they're tired, because sleep can ensue so quickly."

Brake is calling on the government to assess the number of rest areas on motorways and truck roads to ensure there is adequate provision for drivers to take breaks.

Author
Laura Cork

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