Anyone planning a summer getaway this year faces the prospect of long journeys behind the wheel, but the dangers of travelling when tired should not be underestimated.

Indeed, data from breakdown and recovery specialist GEM Motoring Assist shows that individuals who are tired when driving could face a considerable increase in their likelihood of being involved in a serious incident, with fatigue shown to be a factor in 20 per cent of all road collisions and 25 per cent of all fatal accidents.

As such, the organisation has offered some useful tips to ensure drivers are well-rested when taking to the roads:

1. Get a good night's sleep before any extended journey – this is especially important when starting early.
2. Build in extra time into journeys to ensure there is no rush when travelling; removing time pressures can help to reduce stress and mental fatigue.
3. Avoid driving alone for long distances, if possible. Share driving responsibilities to help to reduce fatigue (one partner can rest while the other takes the wheel, and vice versa).
4. Take a break of at least 15 minutes for every two hours on the road.
5. Don't press on into the night. Avoid driving at times when the body naturally wants to sleep.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth concluded: "We want you to ensure your holiday starts the moment you close the front door and set off, but safety has to come first.

"If you're on a long road journey, make sure you're properly rested before you set out and build in regular breaks on long journeys to help stay fresh, observant and aware."

The risk of tiredness is something that all motorists need to be aware of no matter the length of their journey, but they should be especially cautious when planning an extended getaway.