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Drivers were tested after sleep depravation
or after drinking showing the dangers of both - 25th November
2007
Tired motorists driving ability can be as
poor as that of drink drivers.
In tests carried out by
What Car to compare tired
motorists and drunk motorists driving abilities, it was found
that the tired motorist who had only had four hours sleep
performed worse than one who was 25% over the legal drink drive
limit.
In the tests which were carried out in
simulators at the Transport
Research Laboratory, two drivers took part in a series of
tests which involved a route including a-roads and
motorway driving.
Whilst 25% over the legal drink drive limit
their ability to keep a steady distance from a vehicle in front
dropped 25%, and ability to keep in the centre of their lane
dropped 23%.
The tired drivers ability to keep a steady
distance from a vehicle in front dropped 39%, and ability to
keep in the centre of their lane dropped 37%.
When twice over the legal drink drive limit
the drivers ability to keep a steady distance from a vehicle in
front dropped 49%, and ability to keep in the centre of their
lane dropped 42%.
The ability of the twice over the legal
limit drink driver was tested the morning after eight hours
sleep, which showed their ability to keep a steady distance from
a vehicle in front dropped by 26%, and ability to keep in the
centre of their lane dropped 18%, they almost crashed too.
In a poll carried out by What Car it was
found that 40% admit falling asleep whist driving, and 22% had
done this more than once. These findings should send out a clear
message to drivers that not only should they never drink and
drive, but also never drive when too tired.
Though drink drivers perform worse overall
fatigue can seriously affect driving reactions potentially,
leading to road
accidents.
Tyre Safety month
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