Sleep risk high in younger men
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A Men under 30 are most at risk from falling asleep at the wheel, a new two-year study into driver fatigue has revealed.
The research by Loughborough University's sleep unit concluded that 50% of drivers who doze off while driving are under 30. Tiredness may be the main factor in around 10% of all road vehicle accidents and about 20% of motorway accidents, suggest the researchers.
The report's findings have sparked another government campaign on driver fatigue which closely mirrors guidelines published by the DOT five years ago.
The new campaign involves radio adverts and posters which will appear at advertising sites in motorway services areas, in washrooms and on exit slip roads.
Advice includes drinking a cup or two of strong coffee followed by a short nap.
In 1995 the then road safety minister Steven Norris published a set of guidelines to beat fatigue. if you feel sleepy, stop and nap for not more than 15 minutes or drink two cups of strong coffee," was one of the recommendations.
The full results of Loughborough's latest research will be published In October.