BANK Holiday drivers
travelling through Muff can get a free cup of tea to
revive them this weekend.
The novel initiative by the Donegal Road Safety
Working Group is part of a scheme to cut road
accidents during what is traditionally one of the
most notorious weekends for collisions.
Drivers can get their free cup of Barry's tea and
take a break at the Maxol Mace service station in
Muff and at the Texaco Mountain Top filling station
in Letterkenny over the three day weekend.
Donegal road safety officer, Eamonn Brown explained:
"With many people making extra journeys by road over
the holiday weekend, we are urging people to take
extra care and to think road safety.
"It is important to plan your journeys and allow
adequate time so you don’t have to rush. It is also
important to allow for rest breaks every two hours
of driving.”
Research shows that up to 20% of fatal crashes may
be linked to driver fatigue.
This means fatigue could have been a contributory
factor in almost 200 driver deaths in the last five
year period.
Mr. Brown welcomed the support from Barry’s Tea and
the two service stations.
"We are delighted to receive this support to help
highlight the dangers of driver fatigue. I hope
people will avail of the cup of Barry’s tea and I
would ask them to take 15mins to enjoy it, so when
they recommence their journey they are fully
revived," he said.
A driver who persists in fighting sleep while
driving, has the same impairment level as someone
driving while over the drink drive limit.
"Eventually a driver will drift in and out of
consciousness and experience ‘micro sleeps’, which
can last for up to 10 seconds. Tactics such as
turning up the volume on the radio and opening the
window do not work."
Drivers have been urged to note the following tips:
- Never drive if you're fighting sleep.
- Stop and nap for 15 minutes - you can set your
mobile phone alarm.
- Take a caffeine drink before the nap.
- After napping, get some fresh air and stretch your
legs.
- By following all of the above, you should be able
to drive more safely for another hour or more. |
