New research by the AA reveals that nearly two-thirds of British motorists (63%) are not taking effective breaks when travelling long distances, which could lead to fatal accidents caused by tiredness. Over 3,000 deaths and serious injuries on UK roads each year are attributed to sleep deprivation, which is as many as incidents as drink driving.

The AA strongly recommends that motorists take a break at least once if they are driving for up to three hours, with additional breaks needed for journeys longer than this.

In the survey, nearly a quarter (23%) of motorists only ever stop for a quick toilet break, one in 20 never stop at all, one in 10 motorists admit to nodding off at the wheel and 28% say they keep driving when they are tired to reach their destination.

Nearly half (44%) of those surveyed also confessed that they often drive through the night, when travelling long distances. The AA worked with sleep specialist, Professor Horne from Loughborough University, the leading Sleep Research Centre, he said: “The best way to combat driver tiredness on long journeys is to have a strong cup of coffee or a functional energy drink followed by a 20 minute ‘power nap’. It is key that drivers realise the seriousness of this issue as one in ten of all car accidents is the result of driver fatigue, and one in five on motorways.

“On top of this, sleep-related crashes are twice as likely to result in death or serious injury because of the high impact speed and lack of avoiding action so it's incredibly important to take regular and effective breaks from driving.”