Research finds most drivers do not take breaks on the motorway
Around 65 per cent of drivers on long journeys feel like they do not need to stop and take rest breaks on the motorway. While 79 per cent of drivers will only choose to stop and take a rest if a motorway service area is located in a convenient spot on their journey.
These statistics come from a recent survey conducted by road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) who surveyed 1,753 people earlier last month.
The poll asked to what extent is keeping hydrated and taking a break between long journeys important to drivers and, surprisingly, findings exposed how many respondents actually never considered taking a rest break to be important, unless they had a good reason to stop.
Research also revealed that while many drivers prepare for a long journey ahead of time, only 50 per cent of drivers will plan to make arrangements to stop at a service station, and only two percent don’t do anything at all in advance.
A preexisting driving simulator study carried out by Loughborough University revealed that even mild dehydration can be dangerous to drivers. The study compares the effect of a mild state of dehydration to the concept of a driver being under the influence of drinks and drugs, leading to the same errors that can be made by the drivers.
The IAM’s survey demonstrates that drivers do not prioritise their alertness while on the road because they do not take regular breaks on long journeys.
Other reasons why drivers do not consider taking breaks during a long journey includes deeming the price of fuel at service being too expensive, or stating that food, drinks and snacks at service station are overly priced.
For drivers who do say they have a reason to stop said they would only stop to use the toilet facilities. Over a third of respondents consider toilet breaks very important on long journeys, while 75 percent would go on more continental style picnics and toilet only rest areas across motorways and main road networks.
IAM’s chief executive officer, Sarah Sillars, said: “Where drivers avoid taking rest breaks at a motorway service station, simply because they want to reach a destination quicker, raise the risk of making several mistakes and being involved in an accident.”
Sillars stated that even though participants have expressed an interest towards self-serving picnic and toilet sites, drivers need to be reminded that it is important to take regular breaks every two hours at any type of service station.
She advised to take a bottle of water with you before commencing on a long journey, finishing: “Keep hydrated throughout and allow for some much-needed rest.”
What do you think caravanners? Do you find it’s important to take breaks, or do you hit the road and hope for the best? Let us know in the comments below.
