MORE than a million drivers making work-related journeys admit to nodding off at the wheel, with up to 200,000 claiming it happens to them more than 10 times in a year. Although 79% of drivers in the report claim never to have nodded off, there is still a sizeable minority putting lives at risk on the road and placing companies in danger of legal action if an accident occurs.

One-fifth of all drivers on company business admit to sleep driving in the past year, rising to one-third when only company car drivers are considered.

This is despite a report from the University of Auckland which claims that drivers who reported feeling sleepy at the wheel are eight times more likely to have an accident than those who are not. Although there is a great risk, just 24% of fleet decision-makers issue guidance on tiredness and driving.

In another area where safety can be improved, just 32% of fleets say they have a policy of prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving, despite looming Government legislation that will enforce a total ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones at the wheel. Also, just 28% of companies offer their staff any form of driver training, although this is an increase compared to 23% in 2000.

Driving on Company Business, costing £149, forms part of the fifteenth annual RAC Report on Motoring. The survey questioned 1,000 drivers, including 250 company car drivers, along with 250 fleet decision-makers. Further sections of the main report will be published throughout 2003. Call 0208 9172500 for details