A Dumfries DJ is backing a campaign reminding drivers about the dangers of being behind the wheel while tired.

Lee Medd, who presents the breakfast show on Alive 107.3, is urging motorists to plan ahead and take appropriate measures if they are driving long distances to see friends and family over the festive period.

New figures show that fatigue was a factory in nearly one-fifth of all fatal collisions in Scotland, although experts fear the real figure is even higher.

Despite that, around one in seven drivers admit they get behind the wheel while feeling tired.

Lee said: “As a breakfast presenter working early shifts, I’m used to waking up very early, so I try to plan ahead and get an early night to make sure I’m well-rested before my commute to work.

“It’s important to know the dangers of getting behind the wheel tired, and to remember it’s not enough to roll down your window or turn up the music if your eyes are feeling heavy.

“Make sure you stop for a rest, have a caffeinated drink, and try to plan ahead as much as you can.”

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The Scottish Government campaign stresses that sleep-related collisions are around 50-per cent more likely to result in death or serious injury due to the high-impact speeds usually involved.

And many of the steps many drivers use to fight tiredness – such as opening a window, turning up the radio or pinching themselves, have been proven not to work.

Instead, the campaign urges drivers to take regular breaks, stop to rest and have a coffee if they feel tired at the wheel, and plan ahead to avoid driving tired.

Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, said: “Fatigue is a contributory factor in a significant number of collisions, but too many people underestimate the risk. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while fatigued and urges drivers to plan ahead and take preventative measures.

“We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. Road safety is a priority for the Scottish Government and its partners and we remain absolutely committed to working together to reach our ambitious goals.

“I want to restate the Scottish Government’s unwavering commitment to achieving its goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030. The driver fatigue campaign is part of a comprehensive package of measures being undertaken to help to deliver this.”

For more information, visit roadsafety.scot/fatigue.

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