Pictured: Joe Barrett, Chief Operations Officer at Applegreen, offers a free coffee to Pat Martin, Chairperson of Road Safe NI, as part of their joint initiative to raise awareness about driver fatigue during the August Bank Holiday weekend. Also pictured is Harry Rutherford, Vice Chairperson of Road Safe NI.
Road Safe NI and Applegreen have teamed up to help motorists combat the effects of driver fatigue over the August Bank Holiday weekend by providing free cups of coffee at Applegreen motorway service stations across Northern Ireland.
Official figures show that driver fatigue is a major contributing factor in road traffic incidents and may be responsible for as many as one in five driver deaths across Ireland each year.
To highlight the risks and encourage drivers to take breaks, Road Safe NI and Applegreen will provide free coffee to drivers between 2pm and 8pm on Friday, 25th August, and Monday, 28th August 2017.
To receive the free coffee, drivers should present their coffee at the till and mention: “Road Safe NI” or “never drive while tired.”
Participating Applegreen locations include Templepatrick, Ballymena, Lisburn, Coleraine, and Hillsborough.
Davy Jackson, Secretary, Road Safe NI said:
“Driving while tired can impair you just as much as driving over the legal limit and it’s a major cause in road traffic collisions at any time of the year – but especially on bank holiday weekends when there are more people on the roads travelling greater distances. This means greater risk for road users and drivers and it’s why we’re recommending that tired drivers stop and have a coffee and a nap to avoid the dangerous effects of fatigue.”
Joe Barrett, Chief Operations Officer, Applegreen, said:
“After recently opening our sixth service station in Northern Ireland, we are delighted to be working with Road Safe NI to help further improve driver safety. Our Motorway Service Areas contain many facilities to help drivers on their long journeys.
“With significant truck stop areas, a vast variety of international food and coffee partners, as well as toilet and shower facilities, we are a one-stop-shop for drivers and their passengers to help them enjoy their bank holiday weekend.”
To combat the effects of driver fatigue, Road Safe NI advises drivers to:
- Prepare for your journey: Plan your route and schedule regular breaks.
- Avoid driving when tired: Never get behind the wheel if you feel excessively tired.
- Use caffeine wisely: Drink strong coffee or a caffeinated beverage and take a 20-minute nap.
- Refresh yourself: After a nap, get some fresh air and stretch your legs.
- Check medications: Verify if any medication you’re taking causes drowsiness.
