Brits Urged Against Dangers Of Tired Driving - News

• Collisions caused by tired drivers increased by 10% last year
• Official data has revealed fatigue was stated as the main cause of over 1,000 collisions last year
• With over 12,000 collisions recorded over the past decade as a result of tiredness, Trackdays calls for motorists to take extra care this half term

At Trackdays, we are warning motorists to be more alert to signs of driver fatigue while out on the road this half term, following an increase in the number of collisions caused by tiredness.

According to the latest official data from the Department for Transport (DfT), driver fatigue such as tiredness and falling asleep behind the wheel accounted for more than 1,000 collisions last year, 10% more than the previous year.

Furthermore, there have been 12,715 collisions as a result of driver fatigue recorded over the past decade according to DfT data.

While the ten-year trend generally points towards a declining figure, the recent rise has prompted Dan Jones, our operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, to warn drivers to wake up to the dangers driving while tired poses: "It has been a long winter, and most people assume tiredness causes more collisions during the darker months."

"However, the turning of the seasons into spring normally means more traffic is out on the roads for longer periods. This increases the concentration levels required, and could lead to more collisions if driver fatigue is not spotted quicker."

Currently, UK law states that if you cause an accident from driving while tired, you could face an unlimited fine, as well as being charged with dangerous driving, which could land a driver life imprisonment if it causes a death.

The following tips are advised to motorists around driving while tired:

• Get enough sleep – it is recommended that people regularly get around 8 hours of sleep a day, with less sleep likely to increase the chances of fatigue while driving. 
• Drive with a companion – if planning on going on a long journey, have someone come with you. This means you can take turns or have someone to talk to. If you cannot find anyone, consider speaking to someone over the phone.  
• Avoid driving at times when you're normally asleep. 
• Take regular breaks – when driving long distances, it is advised that stopping for a short break every two hours is best. Try to get out of the car during this time for fresh air.  
• Watch your posture – adjust your seat so that you're not slouching while driving. This encourages you to hold your head up and body to be more alert.

Visit the Driving Lessons page today on the TrackDays website, which includes the Safer Driving Course, available to book at UK wide venues through purchase of our open Gift Vouchers.