DRIVERS in East Lancashire are being warned of the dangers of being tired at the wheel with the launch of a new safety campaign.

Lancashire County Council's road safety group is urging anyone embarking on a long journey over Easter to be aware of the risks of driving while tired.

According to government figures, driver fatigue results in 23,300 road accidents each year nationally and they are often the most serious, as sleepy drivers do not take evasive action, such as braking or swerving, before impact.

No figures are available for the number of incidents caused by driver fatigue in Lancashire but it could be a factor in up to a fifth of all accidents.

But research by the Department for Transport shows most drivers fight sleep for some time before crashes occur and know they ought to rest.

The LCC road safety group has issued new instructions to drivers, including:

Avoid making long trips between midnight and 6am;

Plan to stop for a 15-minute break every two hours;

If you feel sleepy find a safe place to stop, drink a cup or two of strong coffee and take a nap;

Remember that opening the window or turning up the radio will do little to stop you falling asleep.

Acting road safety group manager Neil Cunliffe said: "This is an issue that can affect any driver regardless of age. We all see drink driving as unacceptable but few people regard driving while tired in the same way. This has to change.

"Research shows that falling asleep while driving could be a factor in 10 per cent of all road crashes and up to 20 per cent of collisions on motorways. The message is simple -- if you're tired, don't drive."