Study Shows One in Eight Drivers Nodded Off While Driving in the Past Year

A recent study conducted by road safety charity Brake and Cambridge Weight Plan has revealed that one in eight drivers have ‘head-nodded’ at the wheel in the past year. This occurs when the driver nods off to between two and 30 seconds, often without realising that they have been asleep.

Moreover, one in four respondents have admitted getting behind the wheel when they already felt drowsy. No less than 86% are also failing to follow best practice advice on dealing with tiredness at the wheel, by stopping somewhere safe for a nap. More than a quarter (29%) continue their journey after they notice the first signs of drowsiness.

In addition, one in seven drivers surveyed (13%) reported suffering from a health condition such as sleep apnoea that makes them tired during the day.

The charity will present the research results at a Parliamentary reception held today in front of MPs, fleet and road safety professionals and civil servants. Brake will call on the Government to renew efforts to raise awareness of driver tiredness as a major cause of death and serious injury, and improve motorway facilities so that responsible drivers are able to stop when they need to.

“Tiredness at the wheel kills. Driving a vehicle is a huge responsibility that must be taken seriously. That means stopping when we feel drowsy and certainly never starting a journey tired. It’s a matter of life and death. We still have widespread misunderstanding of how to prevent driver tiredness, and ignorance about factors like sleep apnoea, a condition that can be treated. These messages still need to get through to the public, which is why we are calling for renewed efforts from the Government to tackle this issue urgently,” stated Julie Townsend, Brake’s campaigns director.