Drivers warned not to wait until they feel tired before taking a break this summer

With the summer holidays starting this week and thousands of drivers due to the hit the road, new research reveals many will be making longer journeys at unfamiliar times of day- often overnight or early-morning - the same time period statistics show is when the most fatigue-related collisions occur.

As more drivers plan to travel overnight and outside their regular patterns to take advantage of quieter roads, National Highways is urging them to plan breaks before they become tired, recommending a 15-minute break at least every two hours and ensuring they are properly rested before setting off. 

New research for National Highways found that more than half of drivers in England (60%) and rising to nearly three-quarters of parents (73%), expect to make longer journeys between 7pm and 7am this summer, out of their usual routine. Yet almost one in two (45%) admit they aren’t always well rested before long journeys, this is despite drivers admitting they aren’t used to driving at these times. Similarly, only 42% of drivers plan rest stops in advance.

The findings come as analysis of national collision data from 2024 shows that nearly half (41%) of all fatigue-related fatal and serious injury collisions on motorways and major A-roads took place between May and August, with two-thirds of these occurring between 7pm and 7am throughout the summer months. This is set against national traffic volumes on motorways and major A-roads increasing by almost 6% over the last three years.

Drivers in both the South East and London are more likely than the national average to undertake long journeys overnight or in the early hours, with 57% of South East drivers and 74% of London drivers saying they would do so. In both regions, more than half of drivers (53%) report starting a long journey feeling well rested. However, South East motorists are more likely to factor breaks into their journey planning, with 44% arranging rest stops before setting off, compared with just 35% of drivers in London.

Colin Stevenson, Road Safety information Lead at National Highways, said: "Fatigue can affect your concentration and reactions before you realise it.  Our research shows more drivers will be travelling overnight or early-morning this summer, yet many aren’t making sure they’re properly rested before setting off.  

“Whether you're heading off on holiday, visiting family or making a long journey, make sure you are well rested and never push through tiredness. Remember to plan at least a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving, whatever time you’re on the road." 

Leading driver behaviour expert Professor John Groeger warns that motorists are often poor judges of their own tiredness and warns that drivers shouldn't wait until they feel tired to take a break. Just as thirst is a sign that dehydration has already started, feeling tired can be a sign that fatigue is already impairing your concentration, reactions and judgement on the road.

Professor Groeger also warns drivers should consider how long they have been awake, as well as how long they have been driving. 

Professor John Groeger, Professor of Psychology at Nottingham Trent University said: 

“Driving is a complex task that requires sustained concentration, yet many drivers underestimate how demanding long-distance journeys can be. The danger is that people become less aware of their own declining performance. This happens because we spend too long driving without a break, and drive when we have been awake for too long. Drivers should think about more than just the miles ahead. They need to think about how long they have been driving without a break- two hours should be the max. Drivers also need to think about how long they have been awake, the quality of sleep when they last slept, and the time of day you’re travelling at which they are travelling. All of these can affect your ability behind the wheel.” 

The thought of quieter roads appears to encourage some drivers to drive at unfamiliar times and to postpone breaks. Among those who stop less frequently overnight, 40% believe fewer vehicles on the road makes it easier to drive longer distances without stopping. 

With millions expected to take to the roads over the holiday season, National Highways’ T.R.I.P. campaign encourages drivers to remember four simple steps to prepare for journeys on motorways and major A roads during busy periods: 

• Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash 

• Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid driver fatigue 

• Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread 

• Prepare: Have a plan for severe weather conditions