Tired drivers urged to stop, sip, sleep

One in 10 motorists have confessed to falling asleep at the wheel, rising to one in five for those who drive to work, according to research.

Road safety chiefs yesterday warned motorists and passengers alike to be vigilant of signs of tiredness while driving.

Drivers are advised to take simple steps: Stop, sip, and sleep — stop in a safe place, sip a caffeinated drink, and sleep for 15-20 minutes.

Some 12 people have died on Irish roads on the August bank holiday weekend over the last five years, and a further 27 people have been seriously injured.

The Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána have made driver fatigue the focus of their campaign for the bank holiday campaign.

As part of this, they have produced their first TV advertisement campaign highlighting the issue. It will run during tomorrow’s Six One News on RTÉ.

The RSA and the gardaí estimate that driver fatigue is a contributory factor in as many as one in five driver deaths.

Tiredness-related collisions are three times more likely to be fatal or result in a serious injury because of the high-impact speed and lack of avoiding action.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said: “Driver fatigue can creep up on you slowly and it is impossible to fight it while you are driving. Yet the risks can be tragic.”

He urged drivers to recognise the signs of feeling tired and to take appropriate action. “Equally, if you’re a passenger in a car being driven by a tired driver, speak up,” he said.

“Ask the driver to pull over safely, and follow the stop, sip, sleep advice.”

RSA chief executive Moyagh Murdock said drivers, especially parents, need to plan their journey.

“Factor in breaks, particularly if you are travelling with children,” she said. “Make sure you are well rested before you take to the roads and if you begin to feel tired, have a cup of coffee and take a 15- to 20-minute nap, then get some fresh air. This should allow you to continue driving for another hour or so.”

Chief Superintendent Mark Curran of the Garda National Traffic Bureau said that, since 2010, 39 people have been killed or seriously injured on the roads over the August bank holiday weekend.

“Driver fatigue is the silent killer on our roads, particularly when people are travelling long distances,” he said. “We all need to be wary of being weary.”

He said gardaí will be out in force over the weekend and would address all aspects of road safety, particularly high-risk, irresponsible driving.

“Last August bank holiday, gardaí dealt with 160 drink-drivers, over 2,700 speeders, over 200 drivers holding a mobile phone whilst driving, and over 150 drivers not wearing a seat belt,” said Supt Curran.