Drivers at danger of falling asleep at the wheel
Date: 04 January 2008
A shocking number of people who drive for work, such as courier drivers, have admitted that they have fallen asleep at the wheel in the past 12 months.
Research compiled by road safety charity Brake and recovery firm Green Flag shows that ten per cent admitted to falling asleep while driving during the past year, compared to four per cent of drivers who don't drive for work.
Courier drivers and other professional drivers are also likely to sometimes drive after having less than five hours' sleep, which can increase the risk of nodding off at the wheel. In fact, 50 per cent of those who drive to work said they had done this, compared to 35 per cent of those who do not.
One of the most common times when people nod off while driving is when they are travelling at around 60mph on a motorway, and around six people die each week in crashes caused by tired drivers.
Brake is urging all companies with employees who drive for work, such as courier firms, to have a thorough safe driving policy and to set realistic schedules. It has produced a free tiredness risk management pack to help companies to do this.
Cathy Keeler, Brake's head of campaigns, said: "Too many people are dying on our roads because people get behind the wheel when impaired through tiredness.
"It is outrageous that so many companies allow their employees to drive on company time when they are so tired that they actually fall asleep. It's crucial that companies introduce thorough procedures to ensure employees are not endangering themselves and others when driving for work.
"But drivers themselves must also take responsibility. Getting behind the wheel when you've not had enough sleep is deadly."
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