Female motorists 'less likely to drive tired'

Female drivers may be less likely to risk their women's car insurance premiums by driving when tired as men have been shown as more likely to get behind the wheel while fatigued.

Findings by vehicle rental comparison firm CarRentals.co.uk have highlighted that more than half of male motorists will get in the driver's seat after a sleepless night, compared with 44 per cent of women.

Londoners were found to get the least amount of sleep, while drivers in the north-east were shown as having the most, with the majority getting at least seven hours' shuteye every night.

Among the findings was that motorists in general are being ill-affected by the recession, with almost a quarter of drivers admitting to drinking more alcohol to try and deal with stress.

Motorists were also found to be suffering a variety of stress-related health issues during the economic downturn, including panic attacks, breathing problems and headaches, the study showed.

Female drivers were found to be more likely than their male counterparts to suffer from the ailments.

Managing director of Carrentals.co.uk Gareth Robinson commented that the past year has been a difficult period for the country's residents.

"We would advise any motorists suffering from sleep deprivation to avoid driving whenever possible, with anyone driving for more than two hours at a time encouraged to take regular breaks to rest," he added.

Mr Robinson went on to say that the findings relating to increased alcohol use were shocking. Drivers who take to the wheel after consuming alcohol could put more at risk than their car insurance premium.

The BBC recently reported that police detected 13 per cent fewer drink drivers in Northern Ireland over the 2009/2010 festive period, although more men than women were found to be committing the crime.

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