TEATHER CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT TO DO MORE TO TACKLE ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY TIRED DRIVERS

3.23.49pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 29th Nov 2004

Sarah is calling for the Government to do more to tackle the problem of accidents caused by people driving whilst tired

Local MP and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for London Sarah Teather has called on the Government to do more to tackle the problems of accidents caused by tired drivers. The Brent East MP has raised the issue during a Transport debate in the House of Commons where she challenged the Transport Secretary Alistair Darling.

Local Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather said:

"The problem of tired drivers is as serious a problem as that of people drinking or driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Government must do more to make the public aware of the dangers of driving whilst tired.

"Driving whilst tired is dangerous, many accidents and deaths occur each year because of people driving whilst tired. On long journeys people should take regular rest breaks for their own safety as well as the safety of others."

Full text of Sarah Teather's comments to Alistair Darling MP, Secretary of State for Transport follow below:

I wish to take the Secretary of State back to his earlier points about drink-driving. Does he agree that it is an equally important challenge to make driving when tired as unacceptable as driving when under the influence of drink or drugs? A member of my family was seriously and permanently injured because somebody drove into him when they were asleep at the wheel.

It is a common cause of accidents. All too often people do not realise the dangers in which they are putting other people's lives.