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Acting star Joseph Fiennes is the voice of a new Government campaign launched today to remind motorists of the dangers of driving when tired.

One in five of all crashes on major roads are caused by tired drivers but research shows many motorists are ignoring the simplest sign - the common yawn - that it's time for a break.

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "We all want to finish our journeys as quickly as possible but being tired at the wheel is a proven killer that we cannot ignore.

"People who drive for work are particularly at risk but there are simple steps we can all take to make our journeys safer. Plan regular stops into a long trip and if you find yourself yawning pull over and take a break - this could make the difference between life and death."

Dr Neil Stanley, a sleep expert from the Clinical Trials and Research Unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: "Yawning quite simply means you're on the road to falling asleep - so if you're yawning behind the wheel it really is time to pull over."

Out of the 1,500 motorists polled by You Gov only just under one in five (20%) always plan breaks in their car journeys, while over a quarter (28%) admit to having driven more than four hours without a break.

Many drivers believe they can fight fatigue but the only real cure is sleep. The THINK! campaign's offers straightforward advice.

For more details on safe driving, and the THINK! campaign, use the link below.

8:11am Wednesday 26th March 2008

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