Fatigue

An estimated 300 people each year are killed and many more are seriously injured where a driver has fallen asleep at the wheel. If you fall asleep at the wheel, you risk killing yourself, your passengers and other innocent victims.

Falling asleep at the wheel is especially dangerous, because when you are asleep, you cannot react to a hazard ahead. To put it another way, when you are asleep you cannot put on the brakes before you hit something, therefore the impact of the crash is much greater and the chances of survival are much slimmer.

Think! Never start a long journey when you are already tired or fatigued.
Think! Don't drive for long distances after a full day at work.
Think! Don't make long journeys between midnight and 6 am. During these times your natural alertness is low.
Think! Don't drive after you have taken any amount of alcohol or have taken medicines that can make you feel tired.

Do try to get a good night's sleep before a long journey.
Do plan to stop at regular intervals on a long journey (15 minutes every 2 hours is recommended).
Do share the driving if possible.
Do stop in a safe place when you feel tired.
Do drink a cup or two of strong coffee followed by a short nap.

Research shows that:

• Drivers do not fall asleep without experiencing symptoms of tiredness first.
• Getting out of your vehicle and walking around will have only a limited effect.
• Opening the window and/or turning on the radio will have little effect on your tiredness.
• No amount of will power will keep you awake.
• Caffeine does help but it takes about 30 minutes to revive you.

Be safe on the move in County Durham.