Drivers tiredness kills

Drivers tiredness kills - facts you should know!

There is no excuse for falling asleep at the wheel of a car and 'no excuse in law.'

Up to a fifth of accidents on motorways and other roads may be caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. There can be many reasons as to why you feel tired at the wheel of your car, lorry or any other vehicle you may drive.

What if I have a medical condition causing sleeplessness/tiredness?

You would need to seek further advice from your doctor if this is a common occurrence as this could affect your insurance should you not do so. You need to seek medical advice if you constantly feel tired. You could be diagnosed with one of the most common complaints 'Sleep Apnea' which often accompanies tiredness and is the most common sleep related medical disorder. Estimates suggest at least four out of every 100 men and women have some form of sleep apnea. Extreme medical conditions would need to be informed to the DVLA.

Other causes can be:

- A modern life style

- Shift work

- Late night socialising.

- Eating large meals.

- Drink driving. Don't break the Law! Don't Drink and Drive!

- Medication. Seek advice from your doctor if you are on regular medication.

- 'Think don't drive tired'

A best practice list has been produced that offers useful guidance to reduce the effects of tiredness, which include:

- Never start your journey if you are already feeling sleepy.

- Try to avoid making long trips between midnight and six am when natural alertness is low.

- If you are feeling tired take a break immediately.

- STOP for a fifteen minute break every two hours on a long journey, and not on the hard shoulder of the motorway. Pull in to the nearest services.

- Take a drink and take a short nap and resume your journey fifteen to twenty minutes later.

- Remember that opening the window or turning up the radio will do little to stop you falling asleep at the wheel.