Limerick gardaí advise drivers what to do if feeling fatigued at the wheel

GARDAÍ in Limerick are warning drivers of tiredness and busting myths related to driver fatigue.

Tiredness-related collisions are three times more likely to result in death or serious injury, gardaí in Limerick have warned. 

Aiming to prevent this from happening further, the Limerick public are advised to beware of myths in relation to driver fatigue and what they can do to minimise risk.

“A recent survey showed that 28% of motorists in Ireland say they have fallen asleep or nodded off, even if only for a moment while driving,” said garda John Finnerty of Henry St garda station.

“These collisions tend to occur when our body rhythms are at a natural low point during the early hours of the morning, from 2am to 6am, and in late afternoon, from 3pm to 5pm.”

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If fighting sleep at the wheel, the best action to take is to stop, get a cup of coffee or a caffeinated energy drink and then take a 15 minute nap, garda Finnerty advised.

“Tactics such as opening the window, turning up the volume on the radio or going for a walk do not work and no amount of willpower will keep you awake,” he said.  

“You should drink the coffee first and when you wake up from your nap you get the double benefit of the sleep and the caffeine as it starts to kick in. That is why the advice is to sip before you sleep. 

“You should never fight sleep at the wheel.”