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24 August 2005 - THINK Campaign for Drivers
this Bank Holiday
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"Make time for a break" is the advice from the
"Think!" road safety campaign to drivers making long journeys this
August bank holiday weekend.
The "Think!" campaign stresses the importance of planning
journeys carefully and allowing ample time for breaks, thus avoiding
sleep-related accidents.
The estimated lives lost each year due to sleep fatigue is 300.
Planning journeys carefully and allowing breaks would reduce this figure
dramatically. Never drive when tired. 15 minute breaks
are all that is required to enjoy your bank holiday break and bring your family
home safely.
The Department for Transport (DfT) recommends the following to
avoid driving tired:
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Plan your journey to include a 15 minute break every two hours
of driving.
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Don't start your journey tired. Be aware of the risks if you
have to get up unusually early to start your trip, or have a long drive home
after a full day's work.
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If you start to feel sleepy find a safe place to stop (not the
hard shoulder of a motorway) as soon as possible.
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An effective method to combating driver sleepiness is to drink 2
cups of coffee or other high caffeine drink and to have a rest for 10-15 minutes
to allow time for the caffeine to kick in.
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Opening the window or turning up the radio does little to
prevent a driver from falling asleep at the wheel.
Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister said:
"As the Bank Holiday approaches we want drivers to plan their
journeys carefully and make time for a break every two hours. Drivers need to
remember that taking a short break really can make the difference between life
and death."
Leaflets and posters, as well as radio adverts, will reinforce
the campaign message "Tiredness Kills. Make time for a break".
The "Think!" website has campaign materials for viewing and
ordering and can be accessed by clicking the following:
"Think!" Road Safety Website
The Department for Transport website can be accessed by clicking
the following:
Department for Transport website
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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