The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland have launched a campaign reminding drivers about the dangers of driving while tired, urging them to plan ahead and take appropriate measures.
A recently-published report identified fatigue as a contributory factor in 17% of all fatal collisions in Scotland; however, experts estimate the real figure is even higher, with up to 20% of all collisions involving driver fatigue.
Despite this, around one-in-seven drivers admit to getting behind the wheel while feeling tired
Sleep Action, the UK’s leading sleep charity, has backed the campaign, calling on drivers to acknowledge the risks of fatigue, and familiarise themselves with the steps they can take if they feel tired at the wheel.
Sleep expert Alyson O’Brien, head of service at Sleep Action, said: “Research shows driving tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol, yet many people don’t think twice about getting behind the wheel after little or no sleep.
“Tiredness increases risk-taking and reduces reaction times, which contributes to a significant increase in the risk of collisions. The effects of sleep deprivation are difficult to determine, which makes the risks even greater.”
The campaign stresses that sleep-related collisions are around 50 per cent more likely to result in death or serious injury due to the high-impact speeds typically involved.
O’Brien added: “When drivers fall asleep at the wheel they cannot brake, steer, or respond to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions, leading to more severe collisions. So when drivers feel tired, they should stop and rest.”
She also highlighted common misconceptions about combating tiredness while driving: “Many drivers mistakenly believe opening a window, turning up the radio, or pinching themselves can ward off fatigue. However, these actions will not make it any safer to drive.”
The campaign emphasises the importance of planning ahead to avoid driving tired, and advises drivers to take regular breaks and stop for a rest and have a coffee if they do feel tired at the wheel.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has also endorsed the campaign.
Cathy Barlow, deputy head of prevention, protection and preparedness at SFRS emphasised the serious consequences of driving while tired.
She said: “A tired driver is a risk not just to themselves but to everyone on the road. Sadly, many of our crews have responded to road traffic collisions and they witness the devastating aftermath. So we would urge drivers to plan their journey and stop for a rest if they feel tired at the wheel.”
Fiona Hyslop, cabinet secretary for transport, said: “Fatigue is a contributory factor in a significant number of collisions, but too many people underestimate the risk. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while fatigued and urges drivers to plan ahead and take preventative measures.
“We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. Road safety is a priority for the Scottish Government and its partners and we remain absolutely committed to working together to reach our ambitious goals.
“I want to restate the Scottish Government’s unwavering commitment to achieving its goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030. The driver fatigue campaign is part of a comprehensive package of measures being undertaken to help to deliver this.”
For more information visit roadsafety.scot/fatigue.
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