THE dangers of driving tired have been highlighted in new research published by Road Safety Minister David Jamieson.

The research on selected motorways and trunk roads found that a quarter of all road crashes that caused deaths or serious injuries were sleep-related.

The findings coincide with a new phase of Department for Transport (DfT) advertising alerting drivers to the dangers of "microsleeps", the potentially fatal dozes which last between two and 30 seconds and normally occur when people are tired but trying to stay awake.

The advertising campaign backs up the message that people should plan their journeys with time added for regular breaks.

Mr Jamieson said: "This research demonstrates the problem and extent of driving tired. Our campaign aims to highlight how dangerous it is, so that people realise the importance of planning their journeys and taking regular breaks.

"We're all guilty of wanting to get to places as quickly as possible but a short break can make all the difference."

To avoid the dangers of driving tired, the DfT recommends:

1) On long journeys, plan your trip to include a 15-minute break every two hours

2) Stopping in a safe place (not the hard shoulder of the motorway) and drinking two cups of coffee or a high caffeine drink, followed by a 15-minute nap is an effective way of combating tiredness and will make little difference to your journey time

3) Do not start your journey tired. Be aware of the risks if you get up unusually early to start your trip, or have a long drive back at the end of your holiday

4) If you are feeling sleepy, opening the window for cold air or turning up the radio are of limited benefit and sufficient only while trying to find a safe place for a break.