I talk about this at this time each year but it’s just so important - holiday time
and you may be about to take long road trip with the family. Time to give a little
thought to fatigue as it’s one of the three major killers on our roads – fatigue
related accidents now account for more deaths than those attributed to drink
driving. We now generally work longer hours. As such, fatigue is far more
prevalent so it’s no coincidence that the highest number of fatal crashes occur in
the afternoon peak period on a Friday. The end of the working day is not the time
to head off on that long drive into the country. Statistics show you’re four times
more likely to have a fatal fatigue crash between the hours of 10pm and dawn –
leave the next morning after a good sleep and a hearty breakfast when your
energy levels are high. Carry plenty of water. Share the driving – one hour on -
one hour off and take 15-minute break every two hours. Long distance driving
with the family is all about teamwork - never let your front seat passenger nod off.
Keep the rear seat solely for the sleepers, A talkative front passenger is another
set of eyes. I’m David Berthon