The new changes in the leadership law could see checks on the roadside to address the “preventable” problem

Figures in Royal Society for accident prevention suggest that 430 people have died or seriously injured in the UK in a year due to the problem

Experts ask for the implementation of new leadership laws to address the problem of tired drivers, in an order similar to Breathalisers for drinks drivers. Royal Society research for accident prevention (ROSPA) indicates that over 430 people were seriously killed or injured in fatigue accidents in 2023.

Nearly 1,300 collisions were caused by drowsiness drivers, who led experts to ask for new regulations to ensure the safety of all road users. The Rospa and the fatigue group have resorted to the government to intervene, suggesting measures such as a standardized fatigue test and public awareness campaigns targeting high risk groups, such as workers.

In December 2023, the European Commission Mobility and Transport Department has published a Safety Performance Indicator report On fatigue, with emphasis on the toxic mixture of fatigue and leadership. It is estimated that the driver’s fatigue is a factor that contributes to 15 % to 20 % of accidents.

Recent statistics from the Medical Defense Union (MDU) reveal that 90 % of doctors feel sleepless at work, although fatigue affects the entire workforce. Caitlin Taylor, Rospa Road Safety Manager, stressed the significant number of serious and fatal accidents every year caused by drowsiness, which led to calls on this “preventable” problem Reported GB News.

She said: “Fatigue affects the driving capacity similar to driving or drugs, but receives much less attention. This has to change. The fatigue slows the reaction times, reduces awareness and affecting decisions, putting everyone in danger. investments in public awareness campaigns and data collection. “

Data on fatigue accidents were a subject of concern. The Rospa and the fatigue group have proposed that the Government establish a national register of driving incidents to complete the public awareness campaign.

The Fatigue group, founded by NHS anesthetists awarded following the tragic loss of colleagues who died leading home from work due to exhaustion, is at the forefront of this initiative. They advise drivers who are hungry, angry, late or tired (stop) to take regular rest breaks to reduce road risks.

For those who frequently lead long distances or work in shifts, simple solutions such as coffee consumption or taking short gaps can help combat fatigue. However, Rospa warns that these measures should not rely on more than once on the trip.

Dr. Karen McDonnell Rospa’s safety and health adviser said: “Definition of fatigue is a topic of great conversation. The report describes it as “a wide concept that is often used interchangeably with concepts such as fatigue, drowsiness and drowsiness.”

“On average, 23 percent of European drivers reported leadership when they were tired in Europe when the following question were asked:” In the last 30 days, how often you have driven, as a car driver, when you were so sleepy, that you had problems keeping your eyes open? “What answer do you think about the same question?“It is also worth considering the age range of people in your organization leading to work, as the report highlights a greater incidence of tired leadership in children of 18-24 years-30 % compared to 11 percent of those over 65 years old.”

Employers are also urged to ensure that their staff is well rested, allowing regular breaks and incorporating the effective management of fatigue in work programs. JP Lomas in the fatigue group stressed that exhaustion is a common side effect of long working time, especially in high stress jobs, which increases risks among motorists.

The organization’s research revealed that 57% of the students and 45% of the consultants had an accident or near failure when tired after a long change.