Chrissy O'Connor
The festive season is here, and with it comes the familiar warnings about the dangers of drink driving. But are we forgetting another silent but equally dangerous risk? Fatigue-induced driving accidents claim lives too, and the Christmas period often makes it worse.
Chrissy O’Connor of LMP Legal explains the hidden danger of fatigue.
Did you know that fatigue contributes to 4% of fatal road traffic collisions and 2% of all collisions in Britain? On monotonous roads like motorways, the Department for Transport estimates that figure could be as high as 20%. Unlike drink driving, fatigue leaves no tell-tale odour or breathalyser reading, but the consequences can be just as devastating.
Fatigue slows reaction times, reduces attention, and impairs judgement—similar to the effects of alcohol. Sleep for less than 7 hours, and you’re nearly twice as likely to crash; sleep for 4 hours or less, and that risk multiplies by 11.
The Christmas Pressures Add Up
With more socialising than usual, late-night shopping and long drives to visit family, it’s no surprise many of us are running on less sleep at this time of year. You may think skipping a few hours sleep here and there won’t affect you. However, a recent US study found that having just 1 or 2 hours less sleep than usual can have a major impact on a driver’s likelihood of being involved in a collision.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can suffer from fatigue after having less sleep than they would usually get. But the data suggests that lorry drivers, shift workers, company car drivers – and interestingly – young male drivers, are most at risk. This is likely due to early starts, long distances driven and irregular sleep patterns. Did you know drivers are most likely to fall asleep at the wheel between midnight and 6 a.m.? This is a time when natural alertness dips to its lowest.
The similarities between fatigue and drink driving are shocking…
Both tired and drunk drivers:
- React slower to hazards.
- Struggle to judge distances and speeds.
- Drift across lanes.
- Miss important road signs.
What’s worse? Unlike drunk drivers, tired drivers might not realise their impairment until it’s too late. With a large proportion of fatigue induced collisions occurring on the motorway, they often involve high speed impacts with devastating consequences.
The consequences of driving while fatigued.
The Highway Code dictates that a driver must ensure they are fit to drive. This will include ensuring they are well rested, and not tired.
Driving whilst deprived of adequate sleep or rest is listed as a factor increasing the seriousness of all of the following offences:
- Causing Death by Dangerous Driving – attracting a maximum of life imprisonment
- Causing Death by Careless Driving – attracting a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment
- Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving – attracting a maximum of 5 years imprisonment
- Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving – attracting a maximum of 2 years imprisonment.
In the absence of a serious injury or fatality, a driver is still at risk of being prosecuted in respect of an offence of Careless Driving or Dangerous Driving.
Take Action: Stay Awake, Stay Alive
The best way to minimise your risk is to avoid driving whatsoever whilst you are tired – when you know you have had insufficient sleep or rest, or are sleepy.
Under Rule 91 of the Highway Code, it’s your responsibility to ensure you’re fit to drive. Here are essential tips to keep you and others safe:
- Plan Rest Breaks: Stop for at least 15 minutes every 2 hours. For lorry drivers, strict regulations dictate mandatory breaks—make sure to comply.
- Avoid Driving During Low Alertness Hours: Midnight to 6 a.m. is a no-go for long journeys.
- Listen to Your Body: If you’re feeling tired, find a safe place to pull over.
- Prepare Before Festivities: Plan your social events to allow enough rest before driving.
Employers must also step up. Fleet managers should implement clear policies to monitor and reduce driver fatigue. Simple changes, like optimising shift patterns and ensuring adequate break times, can save lives.
Let’s make this Christmas safe.
Fatigue doesn’t come with a festive warning sign, but its consequences are no less severe. This Christmas, let’s prioritise rest, plan our journeys wisely, and take regular breaks. After all, arriving safely is the best gift you can give to yourself and others.
If you or someone you know is facing an investigation or prosecution for a driving offence this festive period you should contact a specialist motor offence solicitor.