RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
December 11, 2003
PLAN TO BEAT TWIN MENACE FOR DRIVERS THIS CHRISTMAS
As the party season approaches its peak, RoSPA is urging motorists to begin planning now to cope with the twin Christmas threats of drink and fatigue which thousands will face in the next three weeks.
The temptations to drink and drive and or to get behind the wheel when over-tired are again expected to turn the festive season into a time of misery for many families.
Last year the number of people killed in drink-related road accidents went up from 530 in 2001 to 560, and there was also an increase in those failing Christmas breath tests.
With many motorists staying late at parties and also undertaking long journeys to see friends and relatives, they need to remember that fatigue is a factor in about 10 per cent of road accidents and 20 per cent on boring roads such as motorways.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “Many Christmas and New Year holiday accidents could be saved through better planning. Pubs, clubs and restaurants will be busy from now until Christmas, and there will be big demands on taxis and public transport.
“It is important that people make arrangements early so that if they are drinking alcohol they can get to and from their destination without having to drive. They should also consider whether they need alternative transport next morning in case they are still over the limit.”
Companies offering hospitality at Christmas need to point out the dangers of drinking and driving to staff and take measures to help them overcome the problem.
Sensible planning can overcome the danger of having accidents caused by tiredness. Taking alternative forms of transport, sharing driving, not being on the road in the early hours and scheduling rest breaks or overnight stops into a journey can all help.
Kevin Clinton said: “It is important that people 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.”
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; and take a nap of about 15 minutes.
Read RoSPA’s Safe Journey Planner.
