One in four Oz drivers doze off while driving

Melbourne, Jan 23 : The next time you're in Australia, make sure that you are extra careful while driving in the country, for one in four Aussies have the habit of dozing off at the wheel.

According to the survey by insurer AAMI on which this finding is based, a third of drivers also refuse to take breaks while on a long journey.

AAMI's public affairs manager, Geoff Hughes, warned that both habits caused fatigue that was a significant risk to drivers.

"AAMI's research shows almost one third of drivers will not stop for a break while driving, despite being fatigued," News.com.au quoted Mr Hughes, as saying.

"Driving long distances without sufficient breaks is a risky practice for drivers to engage in, yet half of all Australian drivers say they will drive for three hours or more without a break," he added.

The survey involved 2380 drivers, out of which around 13 per cent who had been in a car accident said fatigue was a "contributing factor".

ANI