The AA is warning drivers to watch out for Ireland's latest road killer - fatigue. It's ironic that the fact that our roads are now much better (and safer overall) actually makes drivers more vulnerable to fatigue.
The advice is to share the driving if you can with no one spending more than two hours at the wheel without a break.
Also ensure you get adequate sleep before driving; ask your GP if any prescribed medication you are taking can affect your driving. You should remember that daytime drowsiness can be a side effect of non prescription medications like hay fever and cole and flu medicines which may contain antihistamines.
Try to avoid heavy meals and any alcohol before driving.
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Plan journeys properly, deciding in advance where you're going to stop for rest stops.
Break any journey of over three hours with a 20 minutes top and on longer journeys, take a break every two hours or so.
Take the opportunity to stretch your legs when you stop for a break from driving.
Follow this up with two cups of caffeinated coffee or a stimulation drink containing caffein. Caffeine takes about 20 minutes to take effect so be mindful that you won't feel the benefits straight away.
If you can, pull into a safe rest area and take a nap lasting no longer than 15-20 minutes. Much more than this, and you might wake up feeling groggy.
Safe driving.
