Posted: 29th January 2008, 01:35 pm

Worrying new research from Brake the road safety charity.

One in ten people who drive for work (10%) have admitted falling asleep at the wheel in the past year, according to new research by road safety charity Brake and Green Flag. The shocking figure is more than twice as high as the number of drivers who don't drive for work but who say they have fallen asleep in the past year, which is still an alarmingly high one in 25 drivers (4%).

One of the main causes of nodding off at the wheel is insufficient sleep the night before. The research has found that people who drive for work are more likely to drive after insufficient sleep. Half (50%) of people who drive for work who were surveyed say they sometimes drive after less than five hours' sleep, compared to just over a third (35%) of people who drive only outside work. Research shows that if you drive after less than five hours' sleep, you have just a one in ten chance of staying fully awake on a lengthy journey.

Brake is urging all companies with employees who drive for work (including professional drivers and reps or managers who drive to meetings or appointments) to ensure they have robust systems in place to prevent tired driving. This includes having a thorough safe driving policy, setting realistic schedules and ensuring employees are aware of the dangers of driving tired. To combat this real killer, Brake has produced a free tiredness risk management pack for companies on preventing tired driving, which is available from Brake's Fleet Safety Forum division by calling 01484 559909 or emailing fleetsafetyforum@brake.org.uk

Source: www.vannews.co.uk