Road safety and breakdown recovery organisation GEM Motoring Assist has offered a reminder to motorists of the dangers of fatigue when planning long journeys in the months ahead.

With the summer months now here, many people will be taking to the roads on extended getaways, but one of the biggest risks that individuals face when driving for a long period is the impact of fatigue on their ability to travel safely.

As a result, GEM has offered some helpful tips on how to stay alert at the wheel:

1. Get a good night's rest before starting any journey.
2. Build in time for pit-stops along the way to recharge your batteries.
3. Share driving responsibilities, if possible. Support each other by being aware of signs of fatigue in the driver and swap if necessary.
4. Avoid driving at times when you would normally be asleep – this helps to avoid excessive weariness.
5. Take a break every two hours of at least 15 minutes – use this time for a quick nap or to drink a cup of coffee in order to stay alert.

GEM chief executive David Williams commented: "A fatigue-related crash is around 50 per cent more likely to result in death or serious injury, simply because a driver who has fallen asleep at the wheel will be unable to reduce speed or change direction to avoid a collision. The consequences can be devastating."