Risks of driving tired surge in summer months
New data from National Highways has revealed that the risks of driving tired increase in summer, with fatigue-related driving deaths and serious injuries up by 59% in warmer months.
Its analysis found that there had been an average of 164 people killed or seriously injured during non-summer seasons over the last five years, but that figure increased to 262 in summer.
Despite this, its latest survey found that just 39% of drivers said they would take a break due to tiredness.
Nearly a third (29%) admitted they didn’t factor in a rest stop on their last long journey with most motorists saying they would continue driving rather than take a break.
Increasing risk
Meanwhile, a separate study from Uswitch revealed that more than four in five professional drivers in the UK admitted to driving while tired. The survey of 502 professional drivers, including HGV drivers, delivery drivers and others who drive for work, found that 87% have driven while tired, despite 94% being aware of the dangers.
Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways, said:
“Fatigue behind the wheel can be deadly. It’s not just about falling asleep, tiredness slows your reactions, clouds your judgement, and can lead to dangerous mistakes. That’s why we’re encouraging drivers to follow our advice by planning ahead, taking regular breaks and staying refreshed.”
