RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
December 21, 2001
TIREDNESS WARNING TO CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR DRIVERS
Motorists undertaking long journeys to see friends and relatives during the Christmas and New Year break are being urged to learn from the Selby rail crash and not get behind the wheel when tired.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “Ten people died at Selby because a driver was too sleepy to be on the road.
“Thousands of people will be driving on long journeys during the next fortnight to visit family and friends. It is important that they are honest with themselves about their fitness to drive. It is vital that they do not set out when they are tired, and if they start feeling sleepy while driving that they stop and take a proper break.”
To avoid falling asleep at the wheel:
- If possible, make long journeys by train, bus, coach or plane.
- Avoid driving in the early hours of the morning or when you have had less sleep than normal. Don’t stay up late before a long journey.
- Write out a route plan, including places where to stop for regular rest breaks (every two hours, or sooner if feeling tired, for at least 15 to 20 minutes).
- Consider breaking your journey with an overnight stop.
- If possible, share the driving with a second driver.
- Avoid drinking alcohol, and if taking medication, check whether it causes drowsiness. If so, ask your GP or pharmacist for an alternative that does not.
Sleep is the only cure for tiredness, but if you start to feel sleepy while driving:
- Find somewhere safe to stop (not the hard shoulder)
- Drink one or two cups of strong coffee or other high caffeine drinks
- Take a nap of about 15 minutes.
Kevin Clinton added: “Don’t be selfish this holiday. If you are not concerned about your own safety, then at least think about your family and other road users. If you are tired - stay off the road!”
RoSPA has a free Safe Journey Planner available from its road safety department or on its website www.rospa.com.
