RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
January 11, 2002
SELBY VERDICT A WARNING TO ALL DRIVERS - RoSPA
Gary Hart's five-year prison sentence for causing the deaths of 10 people by dangerous driving was welcomed by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: "The Selby case is a warning to us all of the terrible consequences of driving when tired. It also shows that the courts will not tolerate motorists putting lives at risks by continuing to drive when they are sleepy.
"Ten people died needlessly at Selby. Although the circumstances are unusual because a vehicle was hit by a train, Gary Hart could just have easily ploughed into a coach carrying a large number of passengers.
"Driving when sleepy is stupid and selfish. The message of Selby is simple: If you are tired stay off the road!"
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.
RoSPA has a free Safe Journey Planner available from its road safety department or on its website www.rospa.com.
