Many drivers in the UK are putting themselves and others at risk by driving whilst tired, according to a new survey.
Research conducted by Webuyanycar.com indicated that many motorists are not getting an adequate amount of sleep, increasing the chances of a road traffic accident and exposing themselves to the risk of a personal injury or whiplash claim.
Of those who took the survey, 80% went to bed after 10 pm with an alarming 86% having less than the recommended 8 hours sleep per night.
Two out of three drivers quizzed suffered from sleeplessness, which impacted on their levels of concentration and reaction times at the wheel the following morning.
In fact, 75% of drivers admitted to travelling to work in the morning rush hour without a healthy amount of sleep.
Jeremy Herbert, of Webuyanycar.com, said:
“People are living fast-paced lives but worryingly our survey shows they don’t seem to be able to slow down behind the wheel. This is even more dangerous when combined with a lack of sleep.”
Sometimes, it is unavoidable to drive whilst feeling tired, but website Safermotoring.co.uk offers several tips to fatigued drivers to ensure that they stay awake and alert:
- If your journey is a long one, ensure you take a break for at least 15 minutes every 2 hours.
- If you need to sleep, make sure that it is in a motorway services or other safe place. Never use the hard shoulder of the motorway.
- Strong coffee can help, but for only a short period of time. Winding down a window can also help you feel more awake.
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