Drivers have been warned they could be putting themselves and others at serious risk on Britain’s roads by not getting enough sleep.
New research revealed that motorists who get between five and six hours of sleep are twice as likely to cause a crash compared to those who sleep for seven to eight hours.
With one in three Britons admitting to microsleeping at the wheel, the dangers of drowsy driving are becoming increasingly apparent.
Experts are now urging drivers to prioritise rest before getting behind the wheel. They caution that fatigue can be as hazardous as driving under the influence, significantly impairing attention and slowing reaction times.
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Drivers can be fined and risk prison time for causing death by not getting enough rest
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Unlike alcohol impairment, however, fatigue is notoriously difficult to detect. Microsleeping, a common occurrence among tired drivers and involves nodding off for up to 30 seconds without realising it. This phenomenon can have devastating consequences, especially at high speeds.
Experts estimate that 10 to 20 per cent of all crashes are due to tired driving. These accidents are particularly dangerous as drivers often don’t have time to brake before impact.
Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “Microsleeps can happen without warning, and a brief lapse in attention at high speeds can have devastating consequences.”
The risk of fatigue-related crashes is highest during early morning hours. Drivers are 20 times more likely to fall asleep at the wheel at6am than at 10pm.
Common causes of driver fatigue include insufficient sleep, stress from work or personal life, and irregular working patterns. Shift workers are particularly at risk, especially when switching between day and night shifts without adequate rest.
Time of day also plays a crucial role in early mornings when natural alertness is at its lowest, making drivers more susceptible to fatigue. Certain medications, including some over-the-counter cold remedies, can cause drowsiness and impair driving ability.
Long periods of continuous driving can also lead to fatigue. Research showed that driving performance deteriorates after two hours, with reduced concentration and slower reaction times.
Modern vehicle comforts, such as quiet cabins and cruise control, can inadvertently contribute to driver drowsiness.
To combat sleep depravity experts recommend taking regular breaks every two hours during long journeys to combat fatigue.
Although tired driving may not seem like a serious offence, it can be considered dangerous driving, which is the most serious motoring offence in the UK. This classification can result in severe penalties, including an unlimited fine and a prison sentence.
Police statistics show that fatigue contributes to about four per cent of fatal road crashes and two per cent of all collisions in Britain. However, experts believe the true figures are likely much higher due to the difficulty in detecting tiredness.
Unlike alcohol and drugs, there is no test for fatigue. However, police can investigate factors such as driving duration, lifestyle, and crash characteristics to determine if tiredness played a role.
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A tired driver who causes a fatal accident can be charged with death by dangerous driving, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.
Experts stress the importance of recognising fatigue symptoms and taking them seriously. Warning signs include excessive yawning, heavy eyelids, and difficulty concentrating.
Shacklock advised: “If you know you haven’t got enough sleep and notice signs such as excessive yawning and heavy eyelids, you should not get behind the wheel.”
To reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents, drivers are urged to prioritise sleep before long journeys. If feeling tired, it’s recommended to ask someone else to drive, use public transport, or delay the trip.
For those struggling with chronic fatigue, especially during darker autumn and winter months, experts suggest improving sleep quality.
This can be achieved by maintaining consistent sleep schedules, enhancing sleep hygiene, eating a healthier diet, and exercising regularly.
