Staggering journeys 'can combat tiredness'

Date: 15/7/2011

The "most important" thing commercial drivers can do is stagger their journey in order to ensure they do not get overtired.

Such is the opinion of Sandra Dodson, Deputy Chief Driving Examiner at the Driving Standards Agency, who says that stopping at a service station to walk and stretch their legs could help such vehicle operators keep fatigue at bay.

"The working rule for lorry drivers is four hours - so they mustn't drive more than that without a break. Each individual must recognise when they need to stop," she explains.

Ms Dodson notes that there is only one solution if a lorry driver does start to feel tired and if they want to ensure they stay safe, which is to have a rest.

Mike Penning, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, announced in June that plans will be considered for dedicated motorway truck stops in the UK, following the closure of the roadside facilities policy consultation last year on July 2nd last year.

Posted by Sarah Bailey