UP TO 10 per cent of all road accidents are caused by driver fatigue, says the AA. Responding to the recent court case involving Gary Hart, who was sentenced to five years imprisonment after being convicted of causing the deaths of 10 people, the AA says that motorists put increasing pressure on themselves to drive them when they are tired.

Andrew Howard, AA head of road safety, said: "Employees are needed to meet deadlines and appointments, which often means they drive too far, for too long. This is something that needs to be addressed within companies. People must realise that meeting deadlines is not worth risking a life for."

According to research, drivers aged less than 30 are more likely to be affected by driver fatigue. And in most sleep related accidents, the drivers are men. These drivers take more risks and seem to think they can carry on at the wheel even though they are tired.

The AA says that all drivers should note the dangers of not taking regular breaks.

It urges motorists to:

* Make sure they are fit to drive. DonÕt undertake a long journey if you feel tired.

* Try to avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6am.

* Plan journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.

* Stop somewhere safe. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway. Never use the hard shoulder as a resting place Ð it is for emergency use only.

* Take a short nap (up to 15 minutes) or drink two cups of strong coffee or an energy drink if they are sleepy. Fresh air, exercise or turning up the radio may help for a short time, but are not as effective.