March 24, 2010

As we go to sleep this Saturday night we have the spectre of an hour less sleep lurking in the corner of the bedroom.  Whether we go to bed before 01.59 or a minute later at 3.00 the bottom line is that we're up an hour earlier than we're used to as British Summertime begins. 

The net effect of this chronological chicanery is that we get an extra hour of light in the evening.  This change offers the hazard of added fatigue for driver not used to getting up after less sleep.

According to ROSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), research suggests that ‘up to 20% of accidents on monotonous roads are fatigue related’, and losing an hour of sleep is only going to increase levels of tiredness amongst drivers and in turn heighten the chances of a serious accident. 

David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM comments, “Feeling fatigued can reduce reaction time, alertness and concentration, and when driving at speed along a motorway no one can afford to take any chances.  Drivers must ensure they take regular breaks, eat and drink to keep energy levels up and even have a short nap at a service station if necessary.  We are urging people to take into consideration the fact that they will lose an hour’s sleep this weekend, especially if going on a long a drive.  Even better, why not take this opportunity to get that much needed early night?”

GEM is also keen to raise awareness of the benefits of having more daylight hours all year round.  David Williams continues, “We strongly feel that the clocks should be kept at British Summer time all year round largely from a safety perspective.  The roads can be a dangerous place and in the dark all road users are at a greater risk.  Our primary concern is the number of school children who start and finish their day in the dark in winter, especially for those who make their own way home.  Their safety should be a number one priority and we believe that keeping British Summer Time would be a step in the right direction to improving road safety.”

However you manage to get out of the house and into the car, and to that end there is an excellent instant espresso on the market, make sure that you're bright eyed and busy tailed and have you're full attention on the road.

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