Hundreds of Brits die every year as a result of nodding off at the wheel, a study has shown.
Research carried out by The Department of Transport has revealed that 300 motorists a year are killed after falling asleep behind the wheel.
Safety organisation Roadsafe have warned holiday makers in particular to get some rest before making long journeys.
Drivers setting off in the early hours and on monotonous roads are at high risk of microsleeps.
These sneaky naps last only two to 30 seconds, but they are all the time it takes to cause a fatal crash. Difficulty keeping eyes open, head nodding and drifting into the wrong lane are definite warning signs.
Yawning motorists are advised to find a quiet spot away from the road to catch some shut-eye in order to perk up.
According to Roadsafe, listening to music and opening the window has no affect on alertness, and drinking coffee only works temporarily in conjunction with a 20 minute nap.
Clare Simpson, a communications executive for Roadsafe, said that young male drivers, truck drivers and shift workers were most risk as well as anybody behind the wheel when "not following the body's natural rhythms".
With the approach of the holiday season, travellers can best avoid disaster by planning ahead and, if possible, switching drivers mid-journey.
Sadeka Tamanna, MS, USA around 5 months ago