2008/06/12
New fathers need to remember the dangers of driving while tired, stated insurance firm Swinton.
According to the company, just 20 per cent of new dads take advantage of their full two weeks of paternity leave, meaning many are driving to work after disrupted and sleepless nights.
The firm cited Department of Transport figures which found that a fifth of all road accidents are caused by motorists falling asleep at the wheel.
"When your sleep debt gets too bit there is nothing you can do to keep yourself awake," said Swinton insurance development director Chris Collings.
He added: "As much as we love our new 'bundles of joy', consecutive nights of disrupted sleep can stack up and lead to dads driving around in a daze."
The firm recommended that new parents look into alternative modes of transport or local car-pooling schemes.
It added that caffeine should never be thought of as a substitute for sleep and that people should pull over and take a 15 to 30 minute nap if they feel tired while driving.
The National Childbirth Trust has set up NCT E Dads - a network featuring advice and tips for new fathers.
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