This weekend marks the official start of British summertime, with the clocks going forward an hour to give an extra hour of daylight, however, losing an hour’s sleep could cause chaos on the roads, an association has advised.

GEM Motoring Assist (GEM), the UK’s leading driving based road safety association, has issued the warning to drivers to make them aware of the effects of fatigue while driving and to ensure they adapt their routine to allow for the loss of sleep.

Research suggests that up to 20 per cent of accidents on monotonous roads occur when motorists are fatigued, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

David Williams MBE, GEM’s chief executive officer, said tiredness can reduce reaction times, alertness and concentration.

He advised drivers to take regular breaks as well as eating and drinking to maintain energy levels.

Taking a nap at a service station, if absolutely necessary, would also increase alertness, he said.

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