National Highways urges drivers to plan memory-making breaks as fatigue-related collisions surge over summer
As fatigue-related deaths and serious injuries on motorways and major A roads increase by 59% during the summer compared to other seasons, National Highways is urging drivers to take a crucial 15-minute break after every two hours of driving.
As millions of UK drivers gear up for summer getaways, National Highways is urging motorists not to just take breaks but to make them count.
This summer, National Highways is reminding drivers of the importance of taking a 15-minute break after two hours of driving.
Drivers are being encouraged to plan breaks that go beyond quick pit stops, such as exploring a nearby historic site, enjoying a scenic beauty spot, discovering a cultural landmark or simply recharging at a well-equipped service station.
Taking a break can be lifesaving as research reveals fatigue-related deaths and serious injuries rise by 59% in summer. Yet our latest survey shows just 4 in 10 (39%) say they would take a break due to driver tiredness. Similarly, nearly a third of drivers (29%) admit they didn’t factor in rest stops on their last long journey.
Regional differences in driver behaviour are clear. Drivers in the North East, North West, and South West are far more likely to take rest stops on long journeys, while drivers in the East Midlands recorded the lowest rate nationally. Similarly, when it comes to stopping due to tiredness, most motorists admit they would continue driving rather than take a break. Among those who would stop, the North East again leads, with 46% saying they would pull over if drowsy, compared to just 34% in Eastern England and 36% in London.
Sheena Hague, Director of Road Safety at National Highways, said:
“We all want to reach our destination quickly, especially when the excitement of a holiday awaits, but fatigue behind the wheel can be deadly. It’s not just about falling asleep, tiredness slows your reactions, clouds your judgement, and can lead to dangerous mistakes.
“That’s why we’re encouraging drivers to follow our advice by planning ahead, taking regular breaks and staying refreshed. This will help keep themselves and other road users safe while enjoying the rich heritage and natural beauty our country has to offer.”
This summer, National Highways will be rolling out a series of videos that spotlight inspiring locations just off the country’s most popular roads - helping drivers discover new places to take a meaningful break without straying too far from their route.
Just minutes from the motorway, there are free attractions like Leicestershire’s Bradgate Park off the M1 with its ancient oaks and rugged hills, or off the M5 is Cheltenham’s Pittville Park, home to lakeside walks and the iconic Pump Room. Near Bristol, Blaise Castle Estate blends parkland with an historic mansion. Elsewhere, Morecambe Bay delivers classic seaside charm and Royal Leamington Spa has elegant boulevards and award-winning gardens, providing a stylish setting for a pause.
Motorists can also visit nearby English Heritage sites like Kenilworth Castle off the M40 or Wrest Park near the M1, which boasts a 19th-century mansion and acres of gardens.
National Highways have launched a dedicated webpage that can be found via the following link: Summer T.R.I.P. where drivers can access maps highlighting recommended stop-off points across the country as well as practical tips to help plan safer, more enjoyable journeys.
Beth Stone, Head of Visitor Experience at English Heritage, said: "Whether you're off for a staycation or to visit family and friends please remember the importance of taking a break from driving. Stretch those legs and enjoy a well-deserved tea and a slice of cake in a beautiful spot, and discover the story of England at one of our beautiful heritage sites. We've got amazing places to visit across the country; whether that's Bolsover Castle just off the M1 or Down House, close to the M25, there is so much to see and do."
Often seen as just refuel stops, service stations can offer much more. Tebay Services on the M6 in Cumbria features a farm shop, scenic walks and views over Killington Lake. Its sister site, Gloucester Services off the M5, is a foodie’s paradise with goods from over 130 local producers. Skelton Lake Services on the M1 near Leeds blends convenience with calm, offers lakeside trails, picnic spots and play areas, all beside a 40-acre nature reserve. Or explore Roman history at Clacket Lane Services on the M25.
- Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash
- Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid driver fatigue
- Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread
- Prepare: Have a plan for severe weather conditions
Notes to Editors
Further statistical data:
- Five years of STATS19 data of collisions where fatigue was a contributory factor. Data from 2016-2019 (inc) and 2022. Due to Covid, 2020 and 2021 have been excluded. Summer period is defined as June, July and August. Over five years there were a total of 493 KSIs which equates to an average of 164 KSI for each non summer season. Over the same five-year period there were an average of 262 KSIs in summer which represents a 59% increase compared to non-summer months.
- Further research conducted by Walnut Omnibus, a nationally representative omnibus survey of 1,727 adults across England between 28-31 March 2025. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all England adults (aged 18+).
- Data reveals that around 60% of drivers in the North East, North West, and South West reported taking a rest break during their last long journey- significantly above the national average. By contrast, only 39% of drivers in the East Midlands said they factored in a rest stop, the lowest rate nationally. Drivers in the West Midlands and Humber performed slightly better, with 49% reporting a break, while 56% of London drivers said they paused during their last long trip.
- When asked whether they would stop if they felt tired behind the wheel, the majority of drivers across most UK regions said they would not. However, drivers in the North East again led the way, with 46% saying they would pull over if drowsy. This was closely followed by the Humber (44%) and 40% in both the North West and West Midlands. In contrast, only 34% of drivers in Eastern England said they would stop due to tiredness, with 38% in the South East and just 36% in London
About National Highways
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:
Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiries
Option 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)
