Fatigue-related deaths and serious injuries ‘higher during summer’

Fatigue-related driving deaths and serious injuries rise by 59% in summer, according to National Highways.

Yet, its latest survey shows just four-in-10 (39%) say they would take a break due to driver tiredness.

Similarly, nearly a third of drivers (29%) admit they didn’t factor in rest stops on their last long journey.  

Drivers in the northeast, northwest, and southwest are far more likely to take rest stops on long journeys, while drivers in the east midlands recorded the lowest rate nationally.

Furthermore, when it comes to stopping due to tiredness, most motorists admit they would continue driving rather than take a break.

Among those who would stop, 46% in the northeast said they would pull over if drowsy, compared to just 34% in eastern England and 36% in London. 

National Highways is reminding drivers of the importance of taking a 15-minute break after two hours of driving. 

Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways, said: “Fatigue behind the wheel can be deadly. It’s not just about falling asleep, tiredness slows your reactions, clouds your judgement, and can lead to dangerous mistakes.  

“That’s why we’re encouraging drivers to follow our advice by planning ahead, taking regular breaks and staying refreshed.”

Over five years there were a total of 493 KSIs, which equates to an average of 164 KSI for each non summer season.

Over the same five-year period there were an average of 262 KSIs in summer, which represents a 59% increase compared to non-summer months. 

The National Highways research comes after a separate study from Uswitch revealed that more than four in five professional drivers in the UK admitted to driving while tired.

The survey of 502 professional drivers, including HGV drivers, delivery drivers and others who drive for work, found that 87% have driven while tired, despite 94% being aware of the dangers.