Experts are warning that millions of drivers across the UK could find themselves at risk of breaking serious road rules after watching the World Cup.
The AA's Accident Assist service has expressed concerns that the UK could see a spike in tired drivers getting into accidents over the next two months.
As football fans across the country prepare for the start of the World Cup on Thursday (June 11), some England and Scotland fixtures could cause serious issues.
Given the time difference between the UK and the three host nations of Canada, Mexico and the United States, many games will take place late at night and early in the morning.
AA Accident Assist has outlined that driving when tired is one of the most underestimated issues that can be seen on roads, especially with this likely to become more common.
It noted that a driver who has been awake for 24 hours may be as impaired as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.1 per cent, which is over the drink driving limit.
Much like drink-driving, tiredness can impact reaction times, decision-making abilities and vigilance, putting them at greater risk on roads.
Data from the AA Charitable Trust and ROSPA estimates that up to 25 per cent of all fatal and serious vehicle collisions could be related to fatigue.
Watching the World Cup this summer could see drivers put themselves and other road users in danger
|REUTERS/GETTY
Scotland fans could be particularly at risk, with the national team's first fixture against Haiti being played at 2am on Sunday, June 14.
Scotland's two remaining group stage fixtures against Morocco (June 19) and Brazil (June 23) will both take place at 11pm, with drivers facing further long nights.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said: "While fans are dreaming about the prospect of their team lifting the cup, it could soon become a personal nightmare if they crash due to a lack of sleep.
"Drowsy driving is an underestimated risk on our roads, and we encourage drivers watching the World Cup to get as much sleep as possible before getting behind the wheel.
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Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 back in November to book their place at the 2026 World Cup | PA"Driving is a skill that needs full attention, and battling through tiredness won't keep drivers alert."
Mr Rankin highlighted how critical it is for people to recognise the signs of drowsiness, suggesting that drivers could pull over and take a nap to keep roads safe.
Compared to Scotland, England will have slightly more time-friendly kick-off times for fans back at home.
The Three Lions' games against Croatia (June 17) and Ghana (June 23) will both kick off at 9pm, while the final group stage game against Panama (June 27) starts at 10pm.
A history of England's record in the World Cup | GETTY/GBNEWSAA Accident Assist noted that drowsy driving could be prevented by stopping in a safe place, as well as drinking two cups of coffee or an equivalent caffeinated drink.
It is calling on drivers to ensure they are getting enough sleep before getting behind the wheel and travelling.
Research from the AA Charitable Trust found that 26 per cent of drivers say they have driven tired because of a lack of sleep.
Mr Rankin concluded, saying: "The fixture list looks to be worse for Scotland when looking at late nights, but all drivers need to be prepared to rearrange their day to ensure they can drive properly."