Survey Finds Almost A Third Of Drivers 'Nod Off At Wheel'

ROAD safety charity Brake and insurance company Direct Line have uncovered a worrying number of drivers have admitted to nodding off when behind the wheel.

Of the 1,000 drivers sampled, almost a third admitted to momentarily nodding off while seven percent claimed they had actually fallen asleep while driving.

Also, 49 percent of the drivers surveyed said they had driven after less than five hours of sleep.

The poll revealed that 31 percent have "head nodded", also known as micro sleeping, while at the controls, with 45 percent of male drivers owning up to this.

Only two percent of women drivers admitted falling asleep at the wheel, yet 14 percent of male motorists confessed to this. Men (55 percent) were also more likely than women (45 percent) to drive after less than five hours sleep.

Brake pointed out that research has shown that tired driving kills at least 300 people on UK roads every year.

Commenting on the survey, Brake deputy chief executive Julie Townsend said: "The fact that so many drivers - especially men - have head-nodded at the wheel is horrifying, even more so that many don't recognise this means they have fallen asleep briefly.

"This survey suggests this is down to many people failing to ensure they always get sufficient sleep before embarking on journeys. We need all drivers to wake up to the fact that 'head nodding' is falling asleep, and can easily lead to catastrophe, but it can, of course be prevented. "

She went on "Brake urges all drivers to pledge to get a good night's sleep before driving, take breaks every two hours, and never try to 'plough on' when they're tired, because sleep can ensue so quickly."

Direct Line's motor director Rob Miles said: "Tiredness and driving are a deadly combination. Regular breaks are essential for staying alert and awake, as is getting plenty of sleep the night before."

By Press Association reporters