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09/01/2014
Third Of Drivers 'Fall Asleep Behind The Wheel'
A new survey, released by road safety charity Brake and Direct Line, have revealed that almost a third of drivers admitted 'head-nodding' when behind the wheel.
'Head-nodding' means they have fallen asleep briefly while they have been driving.
As a result, the charity has urged drivers to get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks.
The survey revealed that 45% of men admitted to 'head-nodding' at the wheel, compared to 22% of female drivers. A further 7% of admit to actually 'falling asleep' behind the wheel – 14% of male drivers and 2% of female drivers.
Some 49% of drivers said they took to the road after less than five hours' sleep. Again, this was more common among men (55%) than women (45%).
Those behind the survey said that of those who 'head nod', means the driver has already fallen asleep and therefore places them and others in significant danger. 'Head nods', also known as 'micro-sleeps', can last from two to 30 seconds.
Commenting on the poll, Julie Townsend, Deputy Chief Executive, at Brake, said: "The fact that so many drivers – especially men – have head-nodded at the wheel is horrifying, even more so that many don't recognise this means they have fallen asleep briefly.
"This survey suggests this is down to many people failing to ensure they always get sufficient sleep before embarking on journeys. We need all drivers to wake up to the fact that 'head nodding' is falling asleep, and can easily lead to catastrophe, but it can, of course be prevented."
Rob Miles, Director of Motor at Direct Line, added: "Tiredness and driving are a deadly combination. Not only is there a risk of falling asleep at the wheel, but when we are tired our reactions and awareness of our surroundings are not as sharp as they would normally be. Regular breaks, at least every two hours, are essential for staying alert and awake, as is getting plenty of sleep the night before."
(JP)
'Head-nodding' means they have fallen asleep briefly while they have been driving.
As a result, the charity has urged drivers to get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks.
The survey revealed that 45% of men admitted to 'head-nodding' at the wheel, compared to 22% of female drivers. A further 7% of admit to actually 'falling asleep' behind the wheel – 14% of male drivers and 2% of female drivers.
Some 49% of drivers said they took to the road after less than five hours' sleep. Again, this was more common among men (55%) than women (45%).
Those behind the survey said that of those who 'head nod', means the driver has already fallen asleep and therefore places them and others in significant danger. 'Head nods', also known as 'micro-sleeps', can last from two to 30 seconds.
Commenting on the poll, Julie Townsend, Deputy Chief Executive, at Brake, said: "The fact that so many drivers – especially men – have head-nodded at the wheel is horrifying, even more so that many don't recognise this means they have fallen asleep briefly.
"This survey suggests this is down to many people failing to ensure they always get sufficient sleep before embarking on journeys. We need all drivers to wake up to the fact that 'head nodding' is falling asleep, and can easily lead to catastrophe, but it can, of course be prevented."
Rob Miles, Director of Motor at Direct Line, added: "Tiredness and driving are a deadly combination. Not only is there a risk of falling asleep at the wheel, but when we are tired our reactions and awareness of our surroundings are not as sharp as they would normally be. Regular breaks, at least every two hours, are essential for staying alert and awake, as is getting plenty of sleep the night before."
(JP)
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