With Easter approaching, many of us will make the most of the long weekend by visiting loved ones or grabbing a last minute getaway to the country. However, these long journeys are proving life threatening for many.
New research by Green Flag reveals that almost one in ten people have fallen asleep at the wheel. A frightening thought, as you are 50% more likely to die or suffer serious injury in a crash if you are asleep at the wheel.
This shocking figure proves that drivers are not taking the issue of driving whilst tired seriously and are happy to put lives at risk. Worryingly almost a third of those questioned admitted they would be travelling 100 miles or more during the Easter period, with one in eight people being on the road for 3 hours or more.
Following these simple tips could save your life:
- Plan your journey to include a 15-minute break for every two hours.
- Never start a journey if you are tired and make sure you put off long journeys until you have had plenty of sleep.
- Avoid so called danger zones. These are times from midnight to 6am and 2pm to 4pm, times when your body is naturally set to sleep mode.
- If possible share your driving.
- Drink high-caffeine drinks to stay alert.
A massive 4 out of 5 people prefer to tempt danger and struggle with their journey by simply opening the window whilst a mere 53% would stop their car to have a rest and a strong coffee. One measure Green Flag has taken to hopefully reduce road accidents is by teaming up with Roadchef to offer free coffee to motorists. For details on how to receive your voucher (valid until 30 June 2006), simply email your name and address to
[email protected] or write to Green Flag RoadChef Offer, Blayd's Mews, 9 Blayd's Yard, Leeds LS1 4AD.
Nigel Charlesworth from Green Flag said "We all know the dangers of driving whilst tired but sadly, as this survey shows, many of us are willing to risk lives to get to our destinations. Simple steps like stopping for a strong coffee can go a long way to help keep us awake and alert, this is why Green Flag has teamed up with Roadchef to offer its members free coffee. Driving whilst tired can kill, it's that simple."
Green Flag - 11 Apr 2006
