RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
December 13, 2001
"SELFISH" DRIVERS MUST HEED WARNINGS OF SELBY TRAGEDY
Thousands of drivers who take the wheel when tired are deliberately putting lives at risk, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today.
As Gary Hart was found guilty of causing the deaths of 10 people by dangerous driving, RoSPA said sleepy motorists were acting just as irresponsibly as drink drivers.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: "They know they are tired and yet they put their own lives and those of other road users at risk because it is more convenient for them to do so.
"They do not want to delay their journey and so they deliberately continue to drive knowing they are not in a fit state. They are making a conscious decision to do this, and they have only themselves to blame if things go wrong.
"Selby was an unusual combination of circumstances, but it demonstrated the full horror we can face because of selfish drivers who are not honest enough to admit they are a menace on the road."
Research shows that up to 20 per cent of accidents on monotonous roads, such as motorways, are fatigue related. People who drive for work are among those most at risk of falling asleep while driving.
"Employers must ensure their employees, including company car and van drivers, do not drive when they are tired. Bosses need to set realistic schedules so that workers are not tempted to speed or spend too many hours on the road," he said.
The safest option is for drivers to avoid driving when sleepy, when they would normally be sleeping or when they are ill or taking medication that may cause drowsiness. Drinking coffee or taking a nap help to reduce drowsiness, but these only have a temporary effect. The only cure for tiredness is sleep.
Drivers should: ensure they are well rested before starting long journeys; plan the journey to include a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours; avoid a long drive after having worked a full day or not having had a proper night's sleep; avoid driving in the early hours and be extra careful between the other danger times of 2pm-4pm.
RoSPA has a free Safe Journey Planner available from its road safety department.
