The new campaign targeting those drivers who take to the wheel when tired has been backed by Sainsbury's Car Insurance.

According to the company, the government campaign is much-needed following research it carried out revealing the dangerous habits of both men and women drivers.

Some 68 per cent of drivers surveyed by Sainsbury's said that they engaged in some form of potentially dangerous driving activity in any given month, while 34 per cent said they drive while they feel tired.

"It can be tempting for motorists on long journeys to just push on through the tiredness, but taking at least the recommended break of 15 minutes every two hours could be the difference between having an accident or arriving safely," Joanne Mallon, manager of Sainsbury's Car Insurance, said.

Recently, car insurance company Sheila's Wheels said that women are statistically safer drivers than men, claiming they are less likely to be involved in larger accidents involving big car insurance claims.

Home Office figures support this point of view, suggesting more men than women could be among the 41 per cent who Sainsbury's found eat or drink at the wheel, a dangerous driving practice.

Steph Savill, founder of FOXY Lady Drivers Club felt sure that most female motorists were safe drivers and unlikely to be found snacking whilst driving their vehicle. "We know that one of the top priorities for women drivers is their personal safety and that of the cars they buy and run.

"Maybe it's because they are more likely to have children with them in their car, hence their naturally caring instinct not to take risks when they are tired or feeling peckish."

Find out how women drivers run safer cars.

Related Stories

More detailed test planned for new drivers
Young women learning to drive could face a more in-depth practical test after finer points of a plan to improve road safety were unveiled. The government...
08 May 08

Volvo models 'reduce whiplash injury risk for women'
Women drivers can feel safer in one type of car after some female-favourable crash test results. Swedish car manufacturer Volvo scored 'good' whiplash...
06 May 08

Women drivers 'warned on mobile phone use' after huge crackdown
Female motorists are being reminded not to use their mobile phones while driving after a police campaign caught out thousands of drivers. The Liverpool...
01 May 08

Women motorists 'warned about city cars'
Female drivers are among the motorists being warned over the potential problems that could be caused from driving a so-called city car. The Motor Insurance...
30 April 08

Young drivers' black box recordings
Young male and female drivers in Staffordshire are piloting a new scheme that uses black boxes to record driver behaviour, according to reports. Staffordshire...
28 April 08

FOXY Information

What FOXY membership includes
How to join FOXY