Business drivers are in a high risk category according to the Department for Transport. The new Think! that yawn could save your life campaign fronted by actor Joseph Fiennes is aimed at all motorists but in particular you the business driver, as you spend a lot of your day on the road.
The DfT claims that one in five of all crashes on major roads are caused by tired drivers but research shows many motorists are ignoring the simplest sign - the common yawn - that it’s time for a break.
Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: “We all want to finish our journeys as quickly as possible but being tired at the wheel is a proven killer that we cannot ignore. People who drive for work are particularly at risk but there are simple steps we can all take to make our journeys safer. Plan regular stops into a long trip and if you find yourself yawning pull over and take a break - this could make the difference between life and death.”
Dr Neil Stanley, a sleep expert from the Clinical Trials and Research Unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: “People read a yawn all wrong - they often mistake the energising effect that comes immediately after as a sign they can carry on, but tests prove this is not the case. Yawning quite simply means you’re on the road to falling asleep - so if you’re yawning behind the wheel it really is time to pull over.”

The DfT claims many drivers believe they can fight fatigue but the only real cure is sleep. The THINK! campaign’s advice is straightforward:

Don’t start a long trip if you’re already tired.

Plan your journey to include a 15-minute break every two hours.

If you feel drowsy find a safe place to stop (not the hard shoulder).

As an emergency measure drink two cups of coffee or a high-caffeine drink and have a rest for 10-15 minutes to allow time for the caffeine to kick in.
Simon McBride