Written by ChrisMay 1, 2025 Whether you are a professional driver or you are taking the family on a staycation, planning rest stops is an essential part of any journey.
Yes, they extend your journey and may even cost you a treat at the services – but the alternative is far more dangerous.
So, how often should you take breaks while driving? The experts at HGV Training Network reveal all!
Driving hours/breaks – why are they so important?
While they can extend journey time in the short term, there are many benefits to taking rest stops while driving.
It decreases the risk of accidents
The statistics relating to ‘drowsy driving’ (driving while tired) are truly terrifying, especially when you consider how many road users are probably tired when they set off, let alone when they arrive home.
UK police statistics show that fatigue is the sole reason for about 4% of fatal accidents and a further 2% of all collisions.
Similarly, across the globe, it is estimated that between 10 – 20% of road traffic accidents (RTAs) and crashes are fatigue-related.
Driving ability is maintained and reaction times remain high
Everyday actions, like noticing dangerous driving around you and falling further back to avoid it or spotting developing traffic and slowing down, help keep you and others safe on the road.
However, thanks to vehicle engineering, modern cars are quieter and more comfortable than ever before.
This means drivers often can sit comfortably for hours and can become sleepy without realising how dangerous it can be.
This sleepiness can impact reaction times in multiple areas, making it hard for drivers to react to changing road or weather conditions – which in turn makes it less likely they will break or steer in time to avoid collisions.
Decision-making remains sound
Day-to-day driving is full of micro-decisions – any of which can be impaired by sleepiness. This can mean you inaccurately judge distances or gaps or even misread whole situations while driving, causing accidents.
*Considering HGV training so you can switch up your career? Whether you’re looking for a better work-life balance or want to see a bit more of the UK, HGV Training Network can help!
How to remain fresh while driving
So, to keep yourself and others safe while driving, what should you do?
- Don’t drive tired
If you have the option of choosing public transport or a taxi while tired, use it. It might be slightly more expensive but it means you aren’t getting behind the wheel while impaired and unsafe.
- Avoid the most dangerous times of day
Drowsiness rises and concentration naturally dips throughout the day, especially in the very early morning (2-6 am) to mid-afternoon (2-4 pm).
If you can, try to avoid these slots and drive when you feel naturally more alert.
- Take breaks every 2 hours
Driving continuously for two hours negatively affects your ability to concentrate and reaction times. For this reason, take a break every two hours – or when you start to feel drowsy – for 15 minutes at least.
While on this break, try to move around a little to stretch your legs, enjoy a caffeinated beverage of your choice, and have a light snack if you feel peckish.
But what about driving breaks for HGV drivers?
For some, it is more important than ever to adhere to driving breaks – HGV drivers!
As they drive the largest and heaviest vehicles on the road for the highest number of hours, HGV drivers need to adhere to the Working Time Directive.
Just as with domestic drivers, rest breaks aim to reduce tiredness, maintain driver alertness, and keep accidents as few and as far between as possible.
Unlike car drivers, however, HGV driving breaks are as follows:
- A mandatory 45-minute break must occur after every 4.5 hours of continuous driving.
This 45-minute break can be taken in one chunk or in two sessions of at least 15 minutes and at least 30 minutes.
It must occur within the 4.5 hours of driving – not before or after.
- Drivers must also take a further 30-minute break if working between 6-9 hours.
- If working more than 9 hours, a further 45-minute break is needed.
These are measured with tachographs and are legally binding.
*To find out more, read our blog ‘HGV Driver Hours – How Do They Work?’ – it will help you see just what your new job will involve!
Driving breaks keep everyone safe
From stopping fatal collisions to keeping your insurance premiums as low as possible, driving when safe and alert is the best possible option for everyone on the road.
Especially if you are entering a career in professional driving. For more information about the rules and regulations for professional drivers, including HGV, LGV, ambulance, or even HIAB drivers, email us at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com or fill in our contact form and our friendly and helpful team will be in touch to assist you.
