A recent survey conducted by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has discovered that nearly two-thirds of UK motorists attempt to stave off tiredness using ‘ineffective’ techniques such as singing, opening the window, turning the radio on or talking to themselves, Book Your Theory Test Today can reveal.
The findings come following the launch of a new, joint campaign by the RSA, Gardaà and Applegreen service stations highlighting the dangers of driver fatigue ahead of the busy Christmas period.
Research suggests that driver fatigue could be a major contributor in as many as one-fifth of driver deaths across the UK. Should these figures be accurate, it means that over 200 deaths on Britain’s roads during the last five years could be attributed to driver fatigue.
A number of survey respondents said they recall elements of driving theory, saying that such techniques worked in helping to fight tiredness when driving. A research analyst commented: “What’s alarming is that many people said that, whilst preparing for their driving theory test they remember these techniques being one of the questions that made up their driving theory test exam.â€
In a statement from the Transport Minister he said: “During the last bank holiday alone five people perished in road traffic accidents. We should all re-double our efforts to avoid a repeat over the Christmas holiday. If you feel tired, then pull over and take a break. Drivers needed to be educated, particularly mature drivers who are relying on outdated driving theory as the source for identifying techniques to combat fatigue at the wheel.â€
He continued: “Driving theory has advanced, compared to what it was and the whole driving theory test exam will look completely different to many motorists if they were to sit the theory test now.
Suggestions issued by the RSA to stave off tiredness whilst driving include:
* Stopping immediately and drinking a cup of coffee
* Taking a 15-20 minute nap
* Exit your vehicle to get some fresh air, do not just wind down your car window
The RSA’s research was carried out on its Facebook page and discovered that out of the 233 people surveyed, 31% replied to say they had attempted to combat tiredness by opening a window.
Almost 13% revealed that they stretched their legs, 8% responded saying that they sang, spoke to themselves or a passenger, whilst a further 5% reported switching on the radio.
The most interesting figure is that 64% of people said they recall these techniques from driving theory test preparation. The response from the RSA was that they may have featured as part of the multiple choice questionnaire, but should a candidate have selected them as an answer to staving off tiredness, they would have been incorrect.
Noel Brett, the RSA’s Chief Executive said: “None of the techniques used by our respondents help in combating driver fatigue, whether they remember it from a driving theory exam or not. In fact, these are the people who are most at risk of being involved in a driver fatigue related crash.â€
In a bid to tackle the problem of driver fatigue and encourage breaks from driving, a number of filling stations across the UK are offering free cups of coffee in ‘peak’ driving periods where road accidents caused by driver fatigue are likely to occur, which is reported to be between the hours of 2pm and 8pm.
The RSA expects to be issuing a number of similar appeals urging drivers to take a break during long journeys as the build-up to Christmas gathers pace.
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