By Natasha Lomas, 4 January 2008 12:12
NEWS
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.
Comments
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1. MusicFan
So basically, what this survey is saying is that drivers that spend more time in their vehicle (because they work in them) are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel?
Which bafoon decided we need to pay researchers to find this out?
Whats next?
"Research finds that people who dont get enough sleep are more tired at work than people who do get enough sleep"
WOW.
2. Karen Challinor
give some thought to those workers who as part of their job have to sign disclaimers stating they are willing to work more than the EU working time directive allows and regularly do 12 hour shifts such as security workers, especially if those shifts change from day to night and back
establishing a sensible sleep pattern in those circumstances is difficult at best
and usually public transport is not available at shift change times, forcing the subject to use their own vehicle
I was personally involved in an accident where the subject was on their way home after their 14th straight 12 hour shift (covering for staff shortages due to illness I believe) and I am convinced they fell asleep on the motorbike they were using at the time
3. anonymous
I wonder if the most lickly people to fall asleep are those who have no distractions in the car to occupy thier mind during long boring journeys.
You wiould never fall asleep if you are on the phine....