Drivers in England and Scotland have been issued a 24-hour warning starting Thursday, June 11, as the World Cup finally kicks off. The motoring organization AA has cautioned that staying up late to watch the tournament could lead to a spike in road crashes.
Fatigue Risks Similar to Drink Driving
The AA's Accident Assist claim support service highlighted that fatigue can mirror the effects of alcohol, resulting in slower reaction times, poorer decision-making, and reduced vigilance behind the wheel. The organization warned that it could be “particularly dangerous” if drivers follow late nights with journeys during the school run and rush hour traffic.
Alarming Statistics
Data from the AA Charitable Trust and ROSPA estimates that up to 25% of all fatal and serious vehicle collisions could be related to fatigue. The AA noted that a driver who has been awake for 24 hours may be as impaired as someone with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.1%, which exceeds the drink driving limit.
Ineffective Countermeasures
The AA emphasized that winding down the window for fresh air or turning up the radio are not effective ways to combat tiredness. Drivers should stop and take a break at “the first sign of tiredness.”
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said: “While fans are dreaming about the prospect of their team lifting the cup, it could soon become a personal nightmare if they crash due to a lack of sleep. Drowsy driving is an underestimated risk on our roads, and we encourage drivers watching the World Cup to get as much sleep as possible before getting behind the wheel. Driving is a skill that needs full attention, and battling through tiredness won’t keep drivers alert.”
He added: “Recognising the signs of drowsiness, pulling over and taking a nap can make a huge difference in keeping our roads safe.”
