- National Highways is urging motorists to take regular, substantial breaks during long summer journeys to combat a significant rise in fatigue-related crashes.
- Analysis of government statistics reveals an average of 262 people were killed or seriously injured annually between June and August due to driver fatigue on England's motorways and major A roads, a 59 per cent increase compared to other months.
- The agency advises planning breaks that go beyond quick stops, suggesting visits to nearby historic sites, beauty spots, or cultural landmarks, and is producing videos to highlight such locations.
- A National Highways survey found that only 39 per cent of drivers would take a break due to tiredness, with 29 per cent admitting they did not factor in rest stops on their last long trip.
- The warning follows a recent case where a van driver received a five-year, nine-month prison sentence for causing death by dangerous driving after falling asleep at the wheel.
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