Motorists warned to avoid driver fatigue this Bank Holiday weekend

Up to one in five deaths on the road could be caused by tiredness - and yet the problem is not taken as seriously as speeding or drink driving.

Over the past five years, 12 people have been killed and 27 people have been seriously injured on Irish roads.

Charlie Mitchell's brother Fran was killed in a car crash when he fell asleep at the wheel in County Wicklow ten years ago.

Charlie said that all drivers need to be more careful if they are driving while tired.

"We travel long distances to get to work, we travel further to go to work, and we work a long day," said Mr Mitchell.

"We see nothing wrong with hopping into our car and travelling for an hour and a half or two hours to go home after a 10 or 12 hour day. We burn the candle at both ends, and it leaves us open to these little micro-sleeps. We're putting ourselves at risk," he said.

Minister for Transport, Mr Paschal Donohoe TD warned of the risks of driving when tired.

"Driver fatigue can creep up on you slowly and it is impossible to fight it while you are driving. Yet the risks can be tragic," said the Minister.

"So recognise the signs that you are becoming tired behind the wheel of the car, take appropriate action and protect yourself, your passengers and other road-users," he said.

"Equally, if you’re a passenger in a car being driven by a tired driver, speak up. Ask the driver to pull over safely, and follow the Stop.Sip.Sleep advice. Let’s all work together to ensure this bank holiday weekend is free from tragedy.”