Government tackles sleepy drivers
* One in five accidents caused by tired drivers * Just 18% of drivers take a rest after yawning * 4% drive for seven hours without taking a break...
One in five accidents on major roads is caused by sleepy motorists, says the Government - and it's launching a campaign to do something about it.
The campaign coincides with the results of a survey by YouGov, which show that just 18% of drivers pull up for a rest after yawning at the wheel.
The poll also revealed that:
• Only 22% of drivers plan breaks into their journeys;
• 26% of drivers admit to having driven for more than four hours without taking a break;
• 4% admit to having driven for over seven hours without taking a break.
Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: 'Being tired at the wheel is a proven killer. People who drive for work are particularly at risk, but there are simple steps we can all take to make our journeys safer.
'Plan regular stops into a long trip, and if you find yourself yawning, pull over and take a break - this could make the difference between life and death.'
Dr Neil Stanley, a sleep expert from the Clinical Trials and Research Unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: 'Yawning quite simply means you're on the road to falling asleep - so if you're yawning behind the wheel, it really is time to pull over.'
Best estate cars 2024 – the top choices for luggage capacity
An estate car needs to be practical, but the best models are also comfortable, well equipped and affordable to run. Here we reveal our top 10 buys – and the estates to steer clear of