Men aged 30 years and under are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel, and seem to be at a higher risk because they use the roads more at night. They are also more likely to press on with a journey when tired******.
Sheila Rainger, Acting Director of the RAC Foundation says, ‘Many people focus on loosing weight after the indulgence of the festive season, but drastically changing your diet can have consequences beyond the waistline. Getting back into the swing of things after time off can be draining enough, but when you add low energy levels caused by diet into the equation, it can spell disaster on the roads. The best advice is to avoid eating foods which are likely to make you feel tired and if you really can’t resist the latest diet craze, be sure to leave the car at home when your energy levels are low.”
* Research from the Transafe Network in December 2007 See: http://www.fleetnewsnet.co.uk/news/view_article.asp?art_ID=45791&s=view_article
** DfT Think! Road Safety Campaign
*** NS59 Ottley C (2000) Food and Mood. Nursing Standard. 15,2, 46-52 http://www.nursing-standard.co.uk/archives/ns/vol15-02/pdfs/p4652w02.pdf
**** Weight loss resources.co.uk http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/healthy_diet/iron_rich_food.htm
***** Awake Ltd www.awakeltd.info/about-awake/tiredness-issues.asp
****** Loughborough University sleep research centre