News
Moto offers
22 August 2005
The most important thing is to avoid tiredness by taking proper breaks every two hours, says Moto, which runs 48 sites around the UK motorway network.
Drivers should add the “stoppage time” to their journey plan so there is no pressure to rush to meet self-imposed deadlines. If it is possible, motorists should share the driving, especially on long trips, to help stay awake behind the wheel.
According to research undertaken by the Department for Transport, 20 per cent of all motorway crashes are caused by driver fatigue. Although 82 per cent of drivers aged under 35 agreed that driving while tired was extremely or very dangerous, only 71 per cent said they would combat the problem by taking a break.
Moto’s Managing Director, Brian Lotts, said, “Modern vehicles are so efficient that many people don’t realise how being behind the wheel for two hours can affect their concentration. However, it’s vital that we all rediscover the habit of stopping. After all, it’s what motorway service areas were established for – as places where drivers can stop to take a break in safety and comfort.
“The key to a safe journey is preparation and planning. Decide the route you’re going to take, work out how long it’s going to take you and build in breaks of about 15 minutes every two hours, using the nearest convenient service area if you’re travelling on the motorway. That way, you’ll stay fresh, alert and you’ll be a safer driver.”
“The message has to be that winding down the window or turning up the radio don’t work. The only thing that will stop you from feeling drowsy is to take a break and have a proper rest from the demands of the road.”
Next week, the Department for Transport and Moto will be running Driver Revival events around the country, exclusively at Moto Service Areas. These events are aimed at increasing awareness of the dangers of driving when tired.
