Driving in the dark? Wake up to the risks of driving tired

· Driver fatigue is thought to be a factor on a quarter of fatal road collisions

· Risks of a collision are highest between 2am and 6am – and in the afternoons

· Good journey planning can help reduce these risks

Road crashes caused by tired drivers are occurring every day on our roads and motorways. But by good journey planning and taking regular breaks, drivers can minimise the risk of a fatigue-related collision.

We are concerned that too many drivers choose to ignore the Highway Code’s advice on taking breaks*, with the result that their ability to concentrate and focus is reduced. At this time of year, as many of us adjust to darker afternoons and more night-time road journeys, the risks of a fatigue-related incident are raised. On a motorway this can have catastrophic consequences.

GEM road safety adviser James Luckhurst says: “No one falls asleep without any prior warning†, and dangerous levels of fatigue come only after a series of early warning signs. So we should take action on a journey if we find ourselves yawning a lot, or blinking or experiencing an initial drop in our ability to concentrate.

“Many crashes occur because of the urge to press on, to get home or to reach a destination that might be just a couple of hours away… but if it’s late in the day and we’ve been driving for a long time, then the risk of a collision increases the longer we stay driving.

“Being a safer driver means being physically and mentally prepared to drive. Ensuring you are well-rested helps you remain alert. This maximises your chance of identifying and responding to hazards earlier, allowing you more time to react.

“We urge every driver on a long journey to follow the Highway Code advice and take a proper break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours or 100 miles of driving.”

GEM offers the following advice for avoiding the risks associated with fatigue:

· Give yourself the opportunity to get a good night’s sleep – preferably every night and certainly before you need to make a road journey.

· Understand that a sleep deficit of just a couple of hours can lead to irritability and can also increase someone’s likelihood to take irrational risks.

· For driving, fatigue is a serious risk, so don’t begin a long journey if you’re already tired.

· Ensure the cabin environment is pleasant but not too warm. Removing overcoats and other bulky items of clothing is another good way to ensure you stay comfortable.

· If you feel sleepy while driving, then stop as soon as it’s safe. Resting and drinking some coffee offers a possible short-term fix.

· If you’re stopping for a rest at a motorway service area, make sure you know the maximum permitted length of stay. If you need longer to rest then pay for your parking rather than risk a hefty fine.

· If you’re really tired, the only proper cure for sleepiness is a proper sleep.

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* Rule 91 of the Highway Code includes advice to ‘plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.’

† If you have this condition, known as narcolepsy, you can be fined up to £1,000 if you don't tell DVLA. You risk prosecution if you're involved in a collision as a result.