Gardai catchmotoristasleep at the wheel as major warning issued to drivers to ‘take breaks’ and ‘arrive alive’ [Video]

GARDAI have issued urgent advice after a driver was found asleep at the wheel.

Cops warned that the consequences of driving while tired “could be catastrophic”.

The driver was found nodding off with the engine running at a set of traffic lights in Waterford city, on Monday, August 5.

Gardai issued advice to take a 20-minute nap if fatigue is setting in.

A spokesperson said: “The consequences of driving while being this tired could be catastrophic.

“Arrive alive. Take your breaks. A 20 min nap before you leave can make all the difference.”

The Road Safety Authority has warned that driving while tired, or driver fatigue, is a contributory factor in 15 to 20 per cent of fatal crashes every year.

Fatigue causes slower reaction times, poor steering and reduced ability to keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front.

It is associated with both reduced capacity to drive safely …