Say yes to cheaper van, home and car insurance

Most drivers in the UK open their windows for fresh air in an effort to stay awake on the roads, new research has found.

The Herald has cited research from YouGov which shows that 75 per cent of people do this to make sure they do not nod off while driving.

If they do fall asleep at the wheel, it may be that they are involved in an accident and invalidate their car insurance policies.

Other tactics from drivers found in the poll include shaking their heads vigorously, used by four per cent of people, as well as slapping their face (three per cent).

Road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick commented that organising trips beforehand is a good way to make sure fatigue does not endanger motorists.

"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," said the official.

Meanwhile, the Press Association has reported that safety chiefs have claimed that one in five deaths on roads in Ireland is caused by driver fatigue.