Newly published research by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), shows that 1 in 10 Irish drivers have admitted to falling asleep at the wheel while driving.

While more drivers are now aware of the dangers of driver fatigue and are taking action to prevent tiredness while driving, the RSA has expressed concern that 42% of drivers reported that they open windows to try to keep awake, a tactic which has no effect whatsoever.

Mr Noel Brett, Chief Executive, RSA said: It’s encouraging to see that more people are aware of the deadly consequences of driver fatigue and are changing their behaviour as a result. Our research shows that 7 out of 10 people (67%) are now taking breaks within two hours of driving, compared with 53% in 2008. This is a very positive shift in behaviour, as research tells us that driver fatigue could be a contributory factor in as many as 1 in 5 driver deaths in Ireland and can be as serious as drink driving.”

The research, conducted among 1,000 drivers in November 2009, shows that male drivers continue to be more likely than females to drive without taking a break. The research also shows that more drivers are aware of the correct action to take when feeling sleepy at the wheel. Almost half (44%) reported that the right thing to do is to stop, drink a coffee and take a nap, representing an increase of 16% on 2008 figures.

To help drivers combat driver fatigue, Topaz will be continuing their ‘Driver Reviver’ campaign, by handing out free cups of coffee at participating Topaz stations on every Bank Holiday Friday throughout the year.

The research also found that:

·    Among the drivers who had fallen asleep at the wheel, 1 in 4 had fallen asleep at least twice
·    One third of drivers who fell asleep at the wheel had been travelling for just one hour when they fell asleep and almost half of drivers (45%) fell asleep while driving between 5pm and midnight
·    1 in 5 drivers who had fallen asleep while driving had realised only when they had driven off the road or across the centre of the road
·    Just under half of drivers (47%) had startled themselves awake before something more serious occurred, a decrease of 29% on 2008 figures.
·    Drivers aged between 35 and 54 are more likely to drive longer without a break

Note to John, if you don’t have space for a double leg I will chop back more and make it a single leg. S