Drivers 'unaware of facts about driving tired'

Drivers need to be more aware of the facts about tired driving, according to a leading road safety charity.

A survey conducted by Brake has found that around three-quarters of motorists have admitted to driving when tired during the last year, while nine per cent say they do so at least once a week.

In addition, the group found that many drivers appear confused over the facts and fictions of driving when tired.

According to Brake's campaigns officer Ellen Booth, when feeling tired behind the wheel the correct thing to do is find somewhere safe to pull over, to drink caffeine and have a nap.

Yet 70 per cent simply open a window while 54 per cent listen to music to try and stay awake - methods that are not proven to be effective.

"It is terrifying how complacent drivers are about tiredness at the wheel. It only takes a couple of seconds of sleep to cause a fatal crash, yet millions of drivers are regularly getting behind the wheel while tired," she said.

Brake recently told the government that the new police drugalyser kits will not be enough to stamp out drug-driving.