Crashes caused by tired driving increase during summer months

There are 59% more fatigue-related deaths and serious injuries on the country’s motorways and major A roads in summer than any other time of the year.

The new research, from National Highways, also shows that one-in-eight (13%) of overnight deaths and serious injuries involved fatigue, more than double the proportion at other times of the day. 

In summer, it suggests that fatigue is a factor in 10% of all deaths and serious injuries on its roads, up from 7.5% the rest of the year.

A separate survey of almost 2,000 drivers, conducted by National Highways and Ipsos UK, showed that almost one-in-three drivers admit they tend to drive for longer than the recommended maximum of two hours before stopping for a break.

The same proportion of respondents admitted that they would drive for three hours or more before stopping.

Professor Lockley, from the Surrey Sleep Research Centre at the University of Surrey, said: “The statistics released by National Highways show that fatigue really can kill. These accidents are preventable with proper preparation, however.

“We want people to be safe on the roads this summer so we have compiled a list of simple things that motorists can do before getting behind the wheel and during the trip.

“These include planning your drive for daylight hours if possible, getting enough sleep ahead of time and taking regular breaks.”

National Highways has launched a new summer safety campaign called TRIP, which stands for: Top-up – fuel, water and oil; Rest – every two hours; Inspect – tyres and lights; and Prepare – plan your journey ahead and check the traffic and weather forecasts.

“National Highways TRIP campaign is a great reminder for people to make sure that they are as prepared for a journey as their vehicle is,” added Professor Lockley.

He says drivers should avoid driving in the early morning or evening, and especially between midnight and 6am when they are likely to feel most tired.

Drivers should also get a minimum of seven hours of sleep the night before they drive and plan a rest break for at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving.

Duncan Smith, executive director of operations at National Highways, said: “Some of our roads are much busier in the summer, with people setting off on holiday and making more frequent day trips.

“We want to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely so we’re encouraging drivers to check they are well rested ahead of their journey, and to plan rest stops for at least 15 minutes every two hours before they set off.”

For more on tackling the hidden dangers of driver stress and fatigue, click here.