A recent study conducted by Prima, a leading car insurance provider, has revealed that almost 6 million drivers in the UK (16%) have admitted to driving while feeling tired.
The research found that nearly half of all drivers (48%) have driven on less than five hours of sleep, with 21% not taking breaks every two hours as recommended by the Highway Code. Shockingly, over 2 million drivers fail to take any breaks at all.
These risky behaviors have resulted in an estimated 5 million motorists either being involved in or narrowly avoiding a car accident due to fatigue. Alarmingly, nearly a third (29%) of drivers in the UK’s capital have experienced this.
More concerning is the fact that over a quarter of Brits (27%) believe that stopping on the hard shoulder when feeling tired on the motorway is a viable solution, despite the dangers. Among this group, 51% are young drivers aged 18-34.
National Highways England reports that one in 14 motorway fatalities occur on hard shoulders, emphasizing the risks involved. Prima is urging drivers to seek out the nearest service station or safe stopping point if they feel fatigued.
“Driving while fatigued poses a serious risk to yourself, your passengers, and others on the road,” warns Nick Ielpo, UK Country Manager at Prima. “Fatigue impairs reaction times, alertness, and decision-making, making it akin to driving under the influence. We must address this issue seriously.”
The study also found that 9% of Brits believe they can safely drive when tired as long as they consume coffee or energy drinks.