Stay Awake, Stay Alert, Stay Alive
Fatigue and tiredness impacts on general wellbeing, it impairs performance, poor decision making and is a major contributory factor in road collisions. The Donegal Road Safety Working Group and CLG Dhún na nGall are coming together to urge drivers to be aware of driver fatigue. With County teams and Club team at all levels travelling thousands of miles by road, supporters are being encouraged to follow their teams safely. At the recent launch, Brian O’ Donnell, Road Safety Officer, said: “I am delighted that CLG Dhún na nGall and our Ambassador, Ryan McHugh are supporting the ‘Stay Awake, Stay Alive’ campaign. Many Donegal fans travel the roads to attend matches to support their local club and county football and hurling teams, but it’s never the right decision to put ourselves, our families and others in danger. Driver Fatigue affects a drivers safety by decreasing their reaction time, their ability to concentrate and creates the very real risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Drowsiness is the first sign that you’re already falling asleep and you have no control over when or where that happens, and it can happen in an instant. Some signs that you’re already drowsy include winding down the window or turning up the radio to try and stay awake – neither of which will help. The only remedy for fatigue is sleep”.
If a driver persists in fighting sleep while driving the impairment level is the same as driving while over the drink drive limit. Tiredness related collisions are also 3 times more likely to be fatal or result in a serious injury because of the high impact speed and lack of avoiding action.
Donegal GAA County Chairman, Sean Dunnion added “Motorists need to be aware of the onset of driver fatigue and should stop and take a break and a sleep if possible for 15 minutes and to really make the most of your break take a caffeine drink before the sleep. After the break, get some fresh air and stretch your legs. By following this advice you should be able to drive for another hour or more”.
Road Safety Ambassador, Ryan Mc Hugh conveyed his message as well to conclude the launch “Sadly we know that there have been far too many fatalities in Donegal
and throughout the country already this year. Our focus continues to be helping to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries and I urge every driver on our roads to be aware of the signs of fatigue and tiredness when driving and take that break for a caffeine drink and short sleep before continuing on with your journey”.
By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO Thu 18th May
