Liberty Insurance, Official Safe Driving Partner of the GAA, is calling on fans to ensure they #DriveSafer this summer. Research by Millward Brown has shown that 39% of GAA fans admitted to driving after less than five hours sleep and over 50% of GAA fans have experienced incidents while driving when fatigued.

Joe Canning, Liberty Insurance said: "With many GAA fans having to travel long distances to support their teams over the summer, we want to raise awareness of driver fatigue. We're advising fans to take extra care on their travels and to stay hydrated before and during their journey; to download their route before they leave home on Google Maps in case of poor reception; and take regular breaks to stretch their legs. Like the players, they should try to get a good night's sleep the night before the game and plan ahead."

The research by Millward Brown uncovered common incidents experienced by GAA fans:

·         A quarter of GAA fans reported not remembering the last few kilometres they drove

·         15% of GAA fans stated they missed an exit off the road

·         12% stated they had a slower reaction time to hazards on the road

·         10% of GAA fans stated they had a late braking incident

·         9% of GAA fans crossed a lane they shouldn't have

·         6% of GAA fans stated they had a near miss and 2% stated they had a collision

·         5% of GAA fans nodded off at the wheel and 3% fell asleep at the wheel as a result of driving when tired.

Also speaking at the launch Galway Hurler David Collins added: "It's very interesting to see some of the stats on driver fatigue, and it's something that affects the players too. We're all on the road a lot going to training and travelling at nights, and personally, I'm up and down to Dublin quite a bit and it's easy to cover a big distance over a busy week. It's made me think a lot more about what I need to do to ensure I stay safe on the road".

Throughout the season Liberty Insurance will be providing advice to help GAA fans and players avoid some of the incidents revealed in the research and to #DriveSafer. Liberty Insurance will be using GAA ambassadors to support the campaign throughout the Championship, with additional initiatives in Croke Park encouraging fans to get to and from matches safely.

People can visit the Liberty Ireland Facebook page www.facebook.com/LibertyInsuranceIreland or follow @LibertyIRL and #DriveSafer for tips and more details.

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