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Road Safe NI
Pictured: Joe Barrett, Chief Operations Officer, Applegreen offers a free coffee to Pat Martin, Chairperson of Road Safe NI as part of their joint initiative to highlight driver fatigue this August Bank holiday weekend.  Also pictured is Harry Rutherford, Vice Chairperson, Road Safe NI

Road Safe NI and Applegreen have teamed up to help motorists combat the effects of driver fatigue over the August Bank Holiday weekend by providing free cups of coffee at Applegreen motorway services stations across Northern Ireland.

Official figures show that driver fatigue is a major contributory factor in road traffic incidents and may be a contributory factor in as many as one in five driver deaths across the island of Ireland every year.

To draw attention to the risks involved and to ensure drivers stop and take a break on their travels, Road Safe NI and Applegreen will provide a free coffee to drivers between 2pm and 8pm on Friday 25th and Monday 28th August 2017.

To avail of the free coffee, drivers are encouraged to take your coffee to the till operator and say: “Road Safe NI” or “never drive while tired”.

Participating Applegreen locations include Templepatrick, Ballymena, Lisburn, Coleraine and Hillsborough.

Davy Jackson, Secretary, Road Safe NI said:

“Driving while tired can impair you just as much as driving over the legal limit and it’s a major cause in road traffic collisions at any time of the year – but especially on bank holiday weekends when there are more people on the roads travelling greater distances. This means greater risk for road users and drivers and it’s why we’re recommending that tired drivers stop and have a coffee and a nap to avoid the dangerous effects of fatigue.”

Joe Barrett, Chief Operations Officer, Applegreen, said:

“After recently opening our sixth service station in Northern Ireland, we are delighted to be working with Road Safe NI to help further improve driver safety. Our Motorway Service Areas contain many facilities to help drivers on their long journeys. 

“With significant truck stop areas, a vast variety of international food and coffee partners, as well as toilet and shower facilities, we are a one-stop-shop for drivers and their passengers to help them enjoy their bank holiday weekend.”

To combat the effects of driver fatigue, Road Safe NI advises drivers to:

  • Prepare for your journey properly and plan where you can take a safe break.
  • Never get behind the wheel if you feel overly tired.
  • Drink strong coffee or a caffeinated drink and nap for 20 minutes.
  • After a nap, get some fresh air and stretch your legs.
  • If you take medication, check first if it causes drowsiness.
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