RAC warn on dangers of airport to home trip

The most dangerous part of any holiday trip could be the journey between airport and home, the RAC Foundation has warned.

According to the Foundation, thousands of holidaymakers travelling to and from the UK on their summer holidays this year may be at serious risk on the road due to fatigue or alcohol.

Particularly at risk are drivers who leave home in the early hours. Research shows that the greatest risk of falling asleep at the wheel is between 4am and 6am when a motorist is 13 times as likely to have a sleep-related accident as someone who is driving in the middle of the morning or early evening. Around 11% all motorway accidents happen between 4am and 6am when the traffic density is about a fifth of the average daily level.

Holidaymakers often return home feeling tired and fatigued after making an early start or having little sleep on their flight.

Executive Director of the RAC Foundation Edmund King said: "Tiredness is a silent killer which could be responsible for 350 deaths and up to 4000 serious injuries on the UK's roads each year.

"Government statistics now confirm that driver fatigue or drowsiness may be a principal factor in as many as 10% of all road accidents - although some researchers in the field suggest it could be double this.

"Don't attempt to drive if tired - it's always better to start fresh. An early flight might tempt people to drive through the night as a good way to avoid congestion but they should make sure that they have had enough sleep before getting behind the wheel. Equally, after a long return flight, it would make more sense to spend an extra night in an hotel before a long drive home or think about public transport."

Holiday and business trips frequently go hand in hand with alcohol, and according to the Foundation, many travellers indulge in holiday spirits too literally on the way home - often forgetting that they have to get into the car and drive from the airport to their front door.

"It may be a temptation when you have had a great holiday to finish it off with a celebratory tipple, but make sure you toast you vacation in something non-alcoholic if your car is waiting at the airport. Medical advice now also suggests that steering clear of alcohol in the air may be a healthier option,” added Mr King.

(SP)