Motorists planning to travel long distances this Easter are being warned to take frequent rest-breaks.

A new survey by a leading chain of service stations has concluded that tiredness at the wheel has become a real danger on Britain's roads.

The study found that drowsiness played a significant role in a tenth of all road accidents.

In all, a third of all drivers put themselves at risk from falling asleep at the wheel.

Drowsiness is a factor in one in ten accidents

On long journeys, drivers are advised to take 15-minute breaks for every two hours of driving.

But according to the Shell UK study, a third of drivers stop only once during a four to six-hour trip.

Sixty-five per cent of drivers simply have no idea how often they should be taking a break on long journeys.

A third of all drivers are aware of drowsiness, but instead of pulling over, they combat tiredness by carrying on with the window wound down to let in fresh air.

The survey results have prompted Shell to provide travel tips leaflets. The company will also offer free coffee at its motorway sites over the Easter weekend.

The UK development manager for Shell, Mike Harle, said he was amazed at the survey results.

"Our message, especially over Easter, is for motorists to build some rest time in their plans and not to wait until they feel drowsy or hungry to stop," Mr Harle said.
 

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