It is important motorists do all they can to combat tiredness on the road.
We've all seen the signs on the motorway telling us to take a break if we're feeling tired, but it seems not all of us are taking on board all advice designed to help us stay awake at the wheel.
According to new research from road safety charity Brake and Direct Line, may motorists are failing to follow simple tips designed to combat tiredness on the road.
Indeed, it was shown that more than half of those questioned (55 per cent) are ignoring the basic advice of resting every two hours on a long journey. What's more, nine per cent of respondents admitted they do not stop for a break at all unless they feel they absolutely have to.
It is particularly important for drivers to listen to this advice during the summer months, as this is a time when people tend to set off on longer journeys to go on breaks in the UK and abroad.
The research – which took in the views of 1,000 drivers from across the UK – revealed 45 per cent of those quizzed have failed to get at least seven hours' sleep the night before a big trip.
This is of particular significance as people only have a one in ten chance of keeping their eyes open for the full length of a journey when they just get five hours of sleep.
Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at Brake, said: "A large proportion of the driving public are scarily confident they can push on through on long drives without stopping.
"In reality, regular breaks – at least every two hours – are essential for staying alert and awake, as is getting plenty of sleep the night before."
She explained feeling sleepy is something that can catch people unawares and will only take a matter of seconds to take hold – yet the consequences of it can be very serious, especially if it occurs when driving at high speed on the motorway.
Posted by Peter Murray