New research: People risking car insurance policies through tiredness

New research has found that car insurance customers are potentially risking their policies and health by driving while tired.

Direct Line car insurance customers and people with other companies are potentially putting their policies and health at risk on a regular basis if new research by the firm is anything to go by.

According to a study released recently (August 13th) by Direct Line and road safety charity Brake, millions of road-users up and down the country could be putting their car insurance products in jeopardy by driving while feeling tired.

The research found that nearly three-quarters - 74 per cent - of all drivers with breakdown car cover in the UK admitted to using their vehicle while being fatigued at some point over the last 12 months, with almost one in ten responding that they do so at least once every week. This represents a rise from the figure of 46 per cent posted in a similar survey six years ago.

Andy Goldby, director of motor pricing and underwriting at Direct Line, commented that these statistics show a "worrying trend" as people could be endangering their health and wellbeing as well as their bank balances if they are involved in a road traffic accident after falling asleep at the wheel.

"Tiredness and driving are a deadly combination," he explained.

"Drivers know when they are tired and whilst they may think stopping for a break may increase their journey time, it's not worth the risk to themselves, their passengers or other road users."

The study involved questioning 800 drivers throughout the country and discovered that many use dangerous methods to stay awake while in their vehicles. For example, more people open a window while at the wheel to stave off sleep than take regular rest breaks on journeys.

Meanwhile, Marks & Spencer also recently issued a warning to car insurance policy holders by stating that they should be more vigilant than ever as 56 per cent have fallen victim to vehicle crime in the past.

By Emma North