SLEEPY DRIVERS
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IF a driver begins to feel sleepy on a JI motorway he should open a window, let in some fresh air and either go to the next service area or leave the motorway at the next exit.
This advice was given by Vice-Admiral Hughes-Hallett in the Commons after he had refused to introduce legislation to ensure that a sleepy driver committed an offence if he pulled in and rested until he was fully awake.
The suggestion had come from Mr. Gilbert Longden (Tory, South West Herts), who Was told that under the motorway traffic regulations a driver might stop on the verge in certain circumstances including accidentS, illness or other emergency for as long as was necessary. If a driver began to feel sleepy this seldom indicated an emergency.
Urging an investigation into the causes of sleepiness Mr, Archie Manual (Labour, Central Ayrshire) said there was increasing evidence that heavy vehicle drivers were putting in excessive hours, up to 17 at a stretch. The Government was aware of this, replied Admiral Hughes-Hallett.