Work drivers more likely to snooze behind the wheel

Motorists who drive as part of their job are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel than a driver who does not use their vehicle for work.

A survey by road-safety charity Brake found one in 10 people who drive for work confessed to falling asleep at the wheel in the past year. This is considerably higher than the figure for those who do not drive for work: one in 25 motorists.

Brake says one of the main causes of falling asleep while driving is insufficient sleep the night before. Its research found jobbing drivers are more likely to drive after insufficient sleep. Half of work drivers surveyed said they sometimes drive after less than five hours' sleep, compared to 35 per cent of those who only drive outside work saying the same.

The charity is urging companies with staff who drive for work to ensure they have systems in place to prevent employees from driving when they are tired. Brake said this includes having a thorough safe driving policy, setting realistic schedules and ensuring staff are aware of the dangers of driving tired.

But drivers themselves should also take responsibility for ensuring they are safe behind the wheel by making sure they get a good night's sleep before work, taking regular breaks of at least 15 minutes every two hours of driving and not exceeding stated driving hours, said Brake. They should also talk to their employer if they feel their driving schedule is unrealistic.

Brake added that the Corporate Manslaughter Act, due to come into force on 6 April, could make employers more likely to face prosecution if a member of their staff is involved in a fatal accident.

An estimated six people per week die in crashes caused by tired drivers, according to government statistics.

The government also recently warned that motorists who drive while talking on mobile phones could face jail under new guidelines.