Motorists have been issued with an urgent warning when driving over the coming months, or they could face serious accidents on motorways.
National Highways is urging drivers to acknowledge the heightened risks during summer travel as fatigue-related collisions increase by 59 per cent between June and August.
Analysis of official statistics shows an average of 262 people were killed or seriously injured annually in tiredness-related crashes on England's motorways and major A roads.
The figures, covering 2016 to 2022, excluding pandemic years, compare summer months with the remaining nine months of the year.
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GETTY | National Highways is calling on drivers to take regular breaks when travelling long distances
National Highways has issued an urgent plea for drivers to incorporate regular rest stops into their journeys, warning that tiredness behind the wheel can result in "dangerous mistakes".
The organisation is encouraging motorists to plan breaks that extend "beyond quick pit stops", suggesting visits to nearby historic sites, beauty spots or cultural landmarks.
National Highways is producing a video campaign showcasing potential destinations near major roads.
Examples include Bolsover Castle, Hardwick Hall and Wrest Park for those travelling along the M1 motorway.
GETTY | Fatigued driving accidents become more common in the summer months
The initiative aims to transform mandatory rest stops into opportunities to explore England's heritage sites.
The campaign represents a shift from traditional service station breaks, promoting longer, more engaging pauses that allow drivers to properly refresh themselves whilst discovering local attractions.
A National Highways survey of 1,727 adults in England revealed concerning attitudes towards driver fatigue, with just 39 per cent saying they would take a break because of tiredness.
Nearly a third of motorists (29 per cent) admitted they did not factor in rest stops on their last long journey.
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Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways, emphasised the broader risks: "We all want to reach our destination quickly, especially when the excitement of a holiday awaits, but fatigue behind the wheel can be deadly.
"It's not just about falling asleep, tiredness slows your reactions, clouds your judgement and can lead to dangerous mistakes.
"That's why we're encouraging drivers to follow our advice by planning ahead, taking regular breaks and staying refreshed.
"This will help keep themselves and other road users safe while enjoying the rich heritage and natural beauty our country has to offer."
The dangers of fatigue-related driving were starkly illustrated last week when van driver Will Dohmatob, 30, from Enfield, received a prison sentence of five years and nine months.
He had fallen asleep at the wheel and crashed into a motorbike on the A131 at Twinstead on February 3 last year, killing rider Andrew Rayner, 44.
Beth Stone, head of visitor experience at English Heritage, suggested drivers should "stretch those legs and enjoy a well-deserved tea and a slice of cake" at their sites across the country.