The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland has started the initiative with a clear message to all drivers – ‘Driving Tired Kills’.
According to statistics, fatigue is a contributory factor in crashes which kill or seriously injure around 50 people every year in Scotland, and a sleep-related collision is around 50 per cent more likely to result in death or serious injury as they tend to be high speed impacts.
Many of the counter measures drivers use (opening a window, turning up the radio) have been shown to be ineffective.
A two second micro-sleep at 30 mph can result in complete transition from one lane to the next and you will be unable to notice or react to a child stepping out on the road.
Explaining more about the dangers, Sgt Bob McNay, based at Lockerbie, said: “Fatigue can affect anyone.
“If you drive tired you’ll be less likely to keep your vehicle under control, in the same lane and at an appropriate speed.
“I would advise drivers to plan ahead; know where the stops are to get refreshments, get out and have a walk about and some fresh air, to ensure you arrive at your destination refreshed and safely.”
And he warned drivers to pay heed to the early signs of feeling tired such as yawning, eyes dropping and head-nodding, and then stop for a rest as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson added: “Driver fatigue is a severe problem that causes too many serious and fatal road collisions each year.
“Drivers should plan their journeys well in advance, ensure they are well rested before setting out and take breaks every two hours. It’s simple yet powerful advice which can help save many lives on Scotland’s roads.”
For more information visit roadsafety.scot/fatigue or check out the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@roadsafetyscot) pages.
