[Article] NSC says driver fatigue causing accidents

seamus

http://home.eircom.net/content/unison/national/3082185?view=Eircomnet

So, so very easily avoidable.... :dunno:

Victor

http://www.breakingnews.ie/2004/04/26/story144544.html

NSC says driver fatigue causing accidents
26/04/2004 - 8:38:46 AM

The National Safety Council has revealed that driver fatigue could be a factor in up to 20% of fatal road accidents in Ireland.

The council said driver fatigue occurred mainly between 2am and 6am and between 2pm and 4pm.

It said motorists experiencing fatigue should not try to fight the condition and should stop in a safe place and take a short nap.

International experts believing driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Victor

http://home.eircom.net/content/unison/national/3082185?view=Eircomnet

Falling asleep at the wheel causes 20pc of fatalities
From:The Irish Independent
Monday, 26th April, 2004

DRIVER fatigue has been linked to 20pc of all fatal crashes in Ireland - up to 80 deaths - as official concerns mount over a possible repeat 'slaughter' during the treacherous May bank holiday weekend.

New research, confirming that high numbers of motorists are falling asleep at the wheel killing themselves and other road users, emerged yesterday as the National Safety Council (NSC) expressed alarm at the holiday weekend.

A total of 17 people died in the first six days of May last year, making it one of the worst months of 2003.

International experts have found that driving when very tired is as dangerous as driving while over the drink-drive limit, the safety council also warned yesterday.

Males aged 18 to 30 were in the high-risk category as they tended to be over confident about their driving ability and believed they could handle the situation. Women were less likely to be involved in sleep-related crashes.

A total of 121 people have died on Irish roads to date in 2004 compared to 91 for the same period last year, an increase of 26 deaths. Since the beginning of the year, 25 pedestrians, 54 drivers, 23 passengers, 14 motorcyclists and five cyclists have died.

Brian Farrell, safety council spokesman, said yesterday that drivers most at risk for sleep-related crashes are those who try to fight sleep when driving.

"Drivers don't just suddenly fall asleep at the wheel, it is a gradual process. If drivers are fighting sleep at the wheel, it is at this point that they must stop. Tactics such as turning up the volume on the radio and opening the window do not work," warned Mr Farrell.

"If a driver persists in fighting sleep while driving, the impairment level is the same as driving while over the drink-drive limit.

"Eventually a driver will drift in and out of consciousness and experience 'micro sleeps' that can last for up to 10 seconds. In this time, a driver has no control of the vehicle. Drivers can have a micro sleep even with their eyes wide open," he added.

The critical points at which driver fatigue-related collisions happen are between 2am and 6am and mid-afternoon between 2pm and 4pm when our 'circadian rhythm' or body clock is at its lowest point.

"International experts also say that alcohol is twice as potent mid-afternoon and in the early hours of the morning because we are more likely to be tired at these times.

"People who think they are driving under the legal limit should be aware that even small amounts of alcohol consumed at these key periods combine to render a driver unfit for driving."

The council advised for drivers suffering from fatigue to stop immediately in a safe place.

Mr Farrell added: "Take a 15 to 20-minute nap. Take a caffeine-based drink just before the nap - 150mg of caffeine or two cups of coffee. The caffeine takes about 20 to 30 minutes to take effect."

As the May bank holiday approaches, NSC chief executive Pat Costello appealed to all road users to slow down, not to drink and drive, wear seat belts and ensure their passengers also wear them too.

The council is also set to screen a new television ad.

Treacy Hogan Environment Correspondent

mike65

Fifth Gear on Channel 5/Discovery did a test using private track at night. Tiff Niedell and Quinten Wilson drove when very tired (Wilson) and slighlty over the limit (Niedell). They were both required to drive in the centre lane of the track for 60 mins. Wilson (tired) was far worse than the tipsy Niedell, drifting out of lane and having difficulty judging distance.

Mike.