GEM Urges Drivers to Prioritise Rest Amid Fatigue Risks
Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to prioritise rest before setting off, as evidence continues to highlight the serious dangers of driving while tired. Government statistics show that driver fatigue is recorded as a contributory factor in around four per cent of reported collisions. However, safety experts believe the true figure is much higher, with fatigue potentially playing a role in up to one-in-five crashes and around a quarter of fatal and serious incidents.
Fatigue-related collisions are also more likely to result in death or serious injury, as drivers who fall asleep at the wheel are unable to brake or take evasive action. Hot weather can significantly increase the risk of fatigue, especially on long motorway or dual carriageway journeys. Higher temperatures, bright sunshine and stuffy cabins all contribute to drowsiness, dehydration and reduced concentration, particularly for drivers who are already tired or have not rested properly.
Warning Signs and Safety Tips
Common early warning signs of fatigue include frequent yawning, difficulty concentrating, drifting within a lane and missing road signs. As tiredness worsens, drivers may experience ‘microsleeps’ - brief, uncontrollable episodes of sleep lasting a few seconds. At 70mph, a vehicle travels more than 100 metres in just three seconds, meaning even a momentary lapse in attention can have serious consequences.
James Luckhurst, GEM’s head of road safety, said: "A fatigue-related crash is one of the most dangerous scenarios on our roads because the driver may have no opportunity to react at all. These collisions are often high-speed and high-impact, with devastating consequences. Fatigue isn’t something that suddenly takes over - it builds gradually, and your body gives clear warning signs. Ignoring those signs can cost lives. The key message is simple: if you are tired, you should not be driving. No journey is so important that it’s worth risking lives. Planning ahead, recognising the signs of fatigue and taking timely breaks can make all the difference."
GEM offers five simple tips to reduce the risk of a fatigue-related collision: get a good night’s sleep before setting out on a long journey; avoid driving at times when you would normally be asleep; steer clear of heavy meals before or during a journey, especially at lunchtime; stay hydrated; take a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours or 100 miles of driving, getting out, stretching and refreshing yourself; and if you feel tired, stop as soon as it is safe. A short nap and caffeine can help temporarily, but proper rest is essential.
Subaru UK Launches 'Trade In, Trade Up' Offer
Meanwhile, Subaru UK has launched a new ‘Trade In, Trade Up’ offer, giving drivers a contribution of £1000 towards a new Subaru when they trade in their current vehicle. The offer is applicable to customers trading in any type of vehicle - not just those with a Subaru. The offer covers models across the entire Subaru UK model range, including Crosstrek, Forester and Outback. The £1000 contribution will be added on top of the customer’s trade-in value.
Jonny Miller, sales director for Subaru UK, said: "We’re pleased to launch our ‘Trade In, Trade Up’ offer, which gives drivers a straightforward route into a new Subaru. Whether a customer is already part of the Subaru family or looking to make the switch from another brand, they can trade in their existing vehicle and receive an additional £1000 contribution towards a new Subaru. With the entire Subaru range included in the offer, customers can find a new model that perfectly suits their needs. We’d encourage anyone considering a change to speak to their local dealer before the end of June."
