DRIVING WHEN YOU’RE tired isn’t illegal, but it can be fatal.

Research published by the Road Safety Authority indicates that fighting sleep at the wheel is “as dangerous as driving over the legal alcohol limit”.

In order to keep the roads safe for everyone this Bank Holiday weekend, we’re giving you some lesser-known fatigue-busting tips that you should keep in mind if you’re driving a long stretch or after a night out.

What can I do to reduce my risk?

Plan ahead and get enough sleep – and make sure it’s good quality sleep. Some medications or lifestyle differences like shift work can also affect your tiredness. Know your limits!

Image: Tumblr

Caffeine and then nap – not the other way around

Sometimes, no matter the planning, we will become tired at the wheel. In that situation, you should stop and take a nap.

Drink a cup of coffee or caffeine-based drink. Caffeine takes 20 minutes to come into effect, so catch some shut-eye for no longer than 15 – 20 minutes directly afterwards. You’ll wake up feeling re-energised.

Image: Flickr/dyobmit

Need to know where you can stop safely?

If you do decide to stop, make sure it’s somewhere safe. Check out this handy map of rest areas around the country.

Oh, and remember to lock your doors if you stop to snooze.

Image: Road Safety Authority

And as for what won’t work…

Stretching your legs, opening the window, radio, talking to yourself or will power. They might temporarily refresh you, but their effects will be short-lived.

Image: Flickr/Pamela Stocks

And remember, research shows that up to one in five deaths on our roads could be related to driver fatigue – it’s a real and under-discussed problem for Irish drivers. Let’s tackle it together.

So if you’re driving this Bank Holiday weekend, don’t forget to mention the Road Safety Authority at the till in your nearest Applegreen to redeem a free coffee between 2pm – 8pm today. Wake up to driver fatigue at the Applegreen driver reviver sites around the country.

Let us know your own personal safety tips on the road. How do you stay alert at the wheel? Share and debate your tried and tested tips in the comments.