What are the local risks?
Major road collisions
Major road collisions are rare in the United Kingdom, and we have yet to experience a road emergency on the scale described in the Community Risk Register. However, because Bedfordshire and Luton is at the heart of a major transport network and with high-volume routes such as the A1 and the M1 running through our area, the potential is there.
Scientific research: Falling asleep at the wheel
Most at risk are young male drivers between 21 and 25, company car drivers, lorry drivers and shift workers.
Sleep-related accidents tend to peak from 2 to 6am for drivers under 30 and 3 to 4pm for older drivers.
Common tactics to fight off sleep, including opening the window and playing the radio, have only minimal effect according to scientific studies. Taking a break and a short nap (between 4 and 15 minutes) and at least 150mg of caffeine produces the best results for keeping drivers alert. But even this has only a very temporary effect for those who are really tired.
Source: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (2001) Driver fatigue and road accidents: A literature review and position paper. www.rospa.com/roadsafety/ info/fatigue.pdf.
You can help yourself to prevent a major road collision by following safety precautions and the Highway Code and obeying the law. Speed limits reduce the chance of a collision, and when drivers observe them they reduce the severity of any accident. Motorway matrix signs providing critical information and instructions are for motorists' safety. Several serious collisions have been caused by drivers failing to adapt to the road conditions or by inadequately maintaining their vehicles.
A study by the Sleep Research Centre showed that 20% of serious accidents on monotonous roads and motorways and 16% of all road accidents in the United Kingdom were caused by driver fatigue. This is why taking a break regularly when driving for a long time is very important in reducing fatigue.
Also – common-sense advice – ensure a good sleep before travelling; seven to nine hours is recommended. Lack of sleep is not the only factor in driver fatigue. Before starting your journey, eat lightly to avoid post-dinner drowsiness but do not leave on an empty stomach and do not drink alcohol. Some illnesses and medication can also make you more tired.
Speeding contributes to 36,000 injuries and 3,000 deaths on British roads every year. The majority of these were on roads with a speed limit of 40mph or less. At 35mph, you are twice as likely to kill someone than at 30mph.
You can get more information at www.highwaycode.gov.uk or in any good bookshop. The Bedfordshire and Luton Casualty Reduction Partnership have created a website aimed at reducing casualties on Bedfordshire and Luton's roads www.drivesafely.org. For advice on safety covering a wide range of driving topics, see www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk.
Businesses are strongly advised to have business continuity plans, which they validate by consultation, training and regular practice. For example, what if snow has blocked road networks? Ensure your drivers are following health and safety guidelines – lorry drivers and company car drivers who travel long distances are at highest risk of fatigue.
To learn more about local plans in place to respond to this hazard click here.
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