Brit drivers warned of deadly mistake millions face over summer holidays – and how to avoid getting caught out
As Brits hit the roads for their holidays this summer, motorists have been urged to take regular stops on their long journeys.
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Drivers have been urged to take regular stops on their long journeys this summer
Credit: Getty
This is because new analysis has revealed a steep rise in fatigue-related crashes during the summer months.
National Highways issued the advice and warned that driver tiredness can lead to "dangerous mistakes".
Drivers have been urged by the agency to plan breaks that go "beyond quick pit stops".
They suggest activities such as exploring a nearby tourist attraction or beauty spot to ensure drivers are alert before they get back behind the wheel.
Read more Motors News
To encourage drivers, National Highways is producing videos that spotlight potential places to visit near major roads.
It's in an effort to help drivers discover new places and take a meaningful break without straying too far from their route.
For example, drivers travelling on the M1 can visit Bolsover Castle, Hardwick Hall and Wrest Park on their journey.
Or if you find yourself on the M5, you can pay a visit to Cheltenham's Pittville Park with its lakeside walks.
Most read in Motors
An average of 262 people are killed or seriously injured between June and August each year on England's motorways and major A-roads where fatigue is a contributory factor.
That's 59 per cent more than the whole of the remaining nine months of the year.
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The data covers the period from 2016 to 2022, excluding figures for 2020 and 2021 as the coronavirus pandemic affected travel patterns.
A National Highways survey of 1,727 adults in England indicated just 39% would take a break because of driver tiredness.
Some 29% said they did not factor in rest stops on their last long journey.
Regional differences are clear too with drivers in the North East, North West and South West far more likely to take rest stops on long journeys.
Whereas those in the
Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways, said: "We all want to reach our destination quickly, especially when the excitement of a holiday awaits, but fatigue behind the wheel can be deadly.
"It's not just about falling asleep, tiredness slows your reactions, clouds your judgment and can lead to dangerous mistakes."
She added: "That's why we're encouraging drivers to follow our advice by planning ahead, taking regular breaks and staying refreshed.
"This will help keep themselves and other road users safe while enjoying the rich heritage and natural beauty our country has to offer."
Beth Stone, Head of Visitor Experience at English Heritage advised drivers to "stretch those legs and enjoy a well-deserved tea and a slice of cake" at its sites across the country.
What does the Highway Code say about resting while driving?
The Highway Code has a number of rules and guidance around being fit to drive including for when you're tired and about to hit the road.
Rule 91 of the Highway Code states that driving when you are tired greatly increases your risk of collision.
To minimise the risk, they advise:
Make sure you are fit to drive. Do not begin a journey if you are tired. Get sufficient sleep before embarking on a long journey
Avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6 am, when natural alertness is at a minimum
Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended
If you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place. Do not stop in an emergency area or on a hard shoulder of a motorway
If you drive a goods vehicle, there are rules you need to follow on duty time, daily driving limits and daily duty limits.
The same rules apply to drivers of buses and coaches with additional advice on breaks from driving and rest periods.
If you're vehicle is over 3.5 tonnes and you're driving in the UK or the EU, you must follow the assimilated rules which dictate driving hours, breaks and rest.
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