Coffee break for tired drivers

Motorists will be offered a cup of coffee by the roadside

Motorists are being offered coffee and an energy drink during a campaign warning them of the dangers of not taking sufficient breaks while driving.

The Lothian and Borders Police initiative will take place at three locations across the Scottish Borders.

Assistant Chief Constable Charles Michie said: "Fatigue, which is a factor in some road crashes, is something that can be avoided.

"We hope this initiative will remind motorists of their responsibilities."

The Health and Safety Executive will also be in attendance.

POLICE ADVICE Take regular breaks Caffeine drinks are useful in conjunction with regular breaks No amount of singing, fresh air or loud music will keep tired drivers awake Mid-afternoon and early morning are danger times for fatigue-induced crashes The only real solution to tiredness is a break and sleep Drivers who cause crashes can end up in court

Dr Terry Williams said: "The HSE shares the concerns of the police that many people that are driving as part of their work activities fail to appreciate their health and safety responsibilities, especially when they are not subject to the same level of control as large goods vehicle drivers."

Police hope to target business drivers on long journeys, tourists coming back from airport flights who may not have had proper rest and refreshment, and tourists driving to Scotland.

Road safety officers will also be conducting a survey into drivers' hours and giving out information and advice.

Motorists are being warned that taking a break and getting some sleep is the only real solution to tiredeness.

The advice states that caffeine drinks, such as coffee and energy drink Red Bull, are useful as long as they are in conjunction with regular breaks.

The main danger times for fatigue-induced crashes are between 0400 and 0600 BST and in the mid-afternoon.

The three locations during the campaign are the A7 northbound lay-by at snow gates, north of Heriot, the A68 northbound lay-by on Soutra and the A7 southbound lay-by, one mile north of Selkirk.