03.05.2008

IAM gives drowsy driver advice

Truck drivers and other motorists that ignore signs of tired, such as a simple yawn could be putting their own lives and the lives of other road users at risk, according to the Irish Advanced Motorists (IAM). The IAM maintains that motorists who ignore that innocent yawn are putting themselves and other road users at risk if they press on regardless. As many as one in five of all crashes on major roads are caused by tired drivers. And it may be even more - because those drivers that survive a crash (or a near miss) are unlikely to admit that they were too tired to drive when it happened.

The IAM says that we all motorists want to finish their journeys as quickly as possible but being tired at the wheel is a “proven killer” that cannot be ignored. Those who drive for work are particularly at risk, according to the IAM.

The IAM advises:

* Don't start a long trip if you're already tired.

* Plan your journey to include at least a 15 minute break every two hours, even if you feel you don’t need it. You will be refreshed. Use the break away from the vehicle to catch up with phone messages.

* If you feel drowsy, don’t press on regardless. Find a safe place to stop (but not the hard shoulder). If you have a nap, take the keys out the ignition and lock the doors.

* As an emergency measure drink two cups of coffee or a high-caffeine drink and have a rest for 10-15 minutes to allow time for the caffeine to kick in.




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