Lum

It can creep up unnoticed.

I remember when this case was current, and the prosecution got in some "expert witness" who claimed that everyone can tell the effects of tiredness approaching ages before it becomes dangerous. Bollocks, complete, utter bollocks. Tiredness isn't just caused by lack of sleep.

Dull, repetitive motorway driving, combined with a background level of sleepiness that would eb safe and untiticeable can suddnly hit you and you start nodding off within seconds. Increasing speed so that the drive becomes challenging again can counteract this but is illegal, stopping on the hard shoulder for a nap is illegal, you try to read the next road sign and it says "next services, 58 miles" now what the **** do you do? Answers on a post card.

Best solution I've come up with is to drive in the inside lane at 50mph and rest your left hand on the steering wheel, that way if you nod off you'll slowly drioft left and the rumble strip will wake you. then stop at the next services. I also keep a stock of red bull in the car.

I do an insane amount of miles due to my work and right now the pressure is very bad, if I stop I'll just have to get up earlier and drive forther the following day. I suck at mornings so this is even more dangerous. Should the families of the person I kil sue my boss for setting unreasonable schedules?

NotoriousREV

Tiredness can and does creep up on you, but I've never gone from feeling wide awake to nodding off in a matter of seconds.

I understand what you're saying about the miles you do etc. but let's look at a hypothetical situation:

You fall asleep while driving to your next destination and crash into a minibus full of nuns. They all die, but miraculously you survive and are hauled before a court.

Do you:

a) use the "tiredness can creep up on you" defence

or

b) use the "my boss sets unreasonable schedules" defence

LG John

I've used that in the past and it really does work I used to drive home along the m8 very late at night sometimes and could feel myself 'going' so I'd just put the scooby off the clock and hold it there for 10 miles. Believe me, that wakens you right up!!!!!!!

Diesel

Only time I crashed on the highway I was going slowly...daydreaming...thinking of tea...