30/8/2005 - Drivers to take the tiredness test

Drivers in Cumbria are being reminded to make time for a break this week in an effort to reduce the number of sleep related accidents on the roads.

The summer months attract hundreds of people to visit Cumbria from all over the country, and those stopping at Southwaite Services on Friday 2nd September will be made aware of the importance of taking regular breaks away from the wheel.

Research shows that up to one in four accidents on major roads are due to tiredness and that as many as 350 people are killed each year in accidents involving drivers falling asleep at the wheel.   62.5 per cent of fatal accidents on the M6 in Cumbria last year were sleep related.

This is the time of year when people drive further than they are used to, to visit friends, family or go on holiday.   3.7 million people visited Cumbria in July and August last year and there were 6 fatal road accidents and 85 serious injuries recorded for these months.   This is higher than other months in 2004, with the exception of May, which also had a bank holiday.  

A professional masseuse will be taking a hands-on approach to the problem by offering head, hand and feet massages to ease away the stress of driving.   Drivers will also be able to test how good their reactions really are with a driving simulated brake testing activity which will calculate how quick they are to react after seeing brake lights in front of them.

Road Safety Officer Ken Hanson said:

“It’s time to scotch the mistaken belief that you can fight off sleep by turning up the stereo or opening the window.   To really stay alert on a long drive you need to be taking a 15 minute break every two hours of driving”.

Superintendent of Uniform Operations Steve Turnbull from Cumbria Constabulary said:

“I have seen too many horrific injuries caused by people falling asleep at the wheel to take this lightly.   Sleep related accidents tend to be more serious than other road accidents because the driver is unable to react before a crash.   You don’t fall asleep without warning; if you are fighting to keep yourself awake, then get off the road!”

This event is just one of the themes Safer Roads for Cumbria is concentrating on as part of the ‘It wouldn’t kill you’ campaign designed to tie in with the Department of Transport THINK! road safety programme.