Driving while sleep deprived can be as dangerous as driving while drunk, the Bermuda Road Safety Council has warned.

The council issued an advisory in the run up to the summer season, which said the theme for its June campaign was “Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow”.

Dennis Lister III, the chairman, said: “If you are driving and experience frequent yawning, dozing off, tired eyes, droopy eyes, an increase in blinking, drifting into other lanes and difficulty focusing on the road, these may be signs of sleep-deprived driving.

“If you experience any of these symptoms you should pull over, stop your vehicle and do not attempt to start it again until you are fully awake.

“Anyone who drives can be affected by sleep deprivation but certain people are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident related to sleep-deprived driving.

“They include people who drive for a living such as taxi drivers, bus drivers and truck drivers, people who work long hours, irregular shifts or night shifts, and people with sleep problems such as insomnia or other sleep disorders.

“So before you get behind the wheel always make sure your alertness and sense of caution is not affected by alcohol or fatigue.

“Always ensure that you have had sufficient amount of sleep and if you plan to consume alcohol make sure you have a plan to get home safely.”