A safety DVD has been launched to provide Irish haulage drivers with advice on remaining safe on the roads.

The informative production, by the Irish Road Haulage Association, is entitled "Your Safety In Mind" and is designed for all road users, to highlight safety matters in relation to HGVs.

Particular attention is paid to the safety of other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

The short production takes the viewer on a journey with the driver behind the wheel of a HGV as it travels the roads across Ireland.

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The Department of Transport, the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána have supported the project. The DVD will now be circulated across Ireland to raise awareness of safety while on the road.

The launch comes after a UK safety campaign, by the British Department for Transport, to target those who drive for a living.

The UK government department has said tired drivers cause 20% of all crashes.

However, people often insist on carrying on with their journeys, despite receiving natural warning signals of sleepiness.

A recent UK survey revealed that 75% of motorists opened a window to keep themselves awake during long journeys.

Some resorted to more unconventional practices, 4% said they shaking their heads vigorously, with 3% admitting to slapping themselves in the face.

More than a quarter of the 1,500 sample said they had driven for four or more hours without a break. With a staggering 4% having driven for more than seven hours without resting.

The survey also suggested 18% of motorists took a yawn as a sign to pull over.

(PR/JM)