Summer proves the main time for tiredness-related crashes

The research from National Highways also shows that one in eight (13%) of overnight deaths and serious injuries involved fatigue, more than double the proportion at other times of the day. In summer, it suggests that fatigue is a factor in 10% of all deaths and serious injuries on its roads, up from 7.5% the rest of the year.

Another survey of almost 2,000 drivers, conducted by National Highways and Ipsos UK, showed that almost one in three drivers admit they tend to drive for longer than the recommended maximum of two hours before stopping for a break. The same proportion of respondents admitted that they would drive for three hours or more before stopping.

A spokesman for the Surrey Sleep Research Centre at the University of Surrey, said:

The statistics show that fatigue really can kill. These accidents are preventable with proper preparation, however. We want people to be safe on the roads so we have compiled a list of simple things that motorists can do before getting behind the wheel and during the trip. These include planning your drive for daylight hours if possible, getting enough sleep ahead of time and taking regular breaks.

Duncan Smith, executive director of operations at National Highways, said:

Some of our roads are much busier in the summer, with people setting off on holiday and making more frequent day trips. We want to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely so we’re encouraging drivers to check they are well rested ahead of their journey, and to plan rest stops for at least 15 minutes every two hours before they set off.

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