Limerick gardaí warn of driver fatigue this Bank Holiday weekend
Driver fatigue could be a factor in one in five driver deaths in Ireland
AS WITH every Bank Holiday weekend, this weekend is expected to bring more traffic to our roads and Limerick gardaí are warning about the dangers of driver fatigue.
The lack of sleep puts drivers more at risk of falling asleep at the wheel and increasing the risk of being involved in a collision.
Garda John Finnerty of Henry Street garda station told Limerick Live: "Tired drivers are a major road safety risk both to
themselves and to others. Driver fatigue could be a contributing factor to one in five driver deaths in Ireland.
"Tiredness related collisions are three times more likely to result in death or serious injury because of the high impact speed and lack of avoiding action."
Garda Finnerty explained that these collisions are often between 2am and 6am or between 3pm and 5pm.
A recent survey showed that 28% of motorists in Ireland have fallen asleep, if even just for a minute, while driving.
Garda Finnerty has this advice for anyone who feels tired while driving: "If fighting sleep at the wheel, the best action to take is to stop, get a cup of coffee or a caffeinated energy drink and then take a 15-minute nap.
"Research shows that the caffeine takes effect about 15 to 20 minutes after drinking it. Therefore, you should drink the coffee first and when you wake up from your nap you get the double benefit of the sleep and the caffeine as it starts to kick in. That is why the advice is to sip before you sleep."
He added that oversleeping should be avoided, as this can make drivers groggy.
"Tactics such as opening the window, turning up the volume on the radio or going for a walk do not work and no amount of will power will keep you awake. You should never fight sleep at the wheel," Garda Finnerty warned.