Half of motorists have dozed off

Half of all motorists have lost control of their car by dozing off, a survey suggests today.

More than one in 10 admit losing control after going on "auto pilot" every day, while a quarter of motorists admit they encounter the phe --nomenon once a week.

The survey of 500 drivers also found that 61 per cent had been so tired that they could not remember large parts of their journey.

Conducted by the Consumer Analysis Group, the survey follows governmentstatistics showing-that more than two in 10 crashes and 300 fatalities a year on motorways are linked to fatigue.

Today the AA said it was vital that motorists were aware of the dangers of fatigue.

Spokeswoman Rebecca Rees said: "Drivers should ensure they take regular breaks. If possible they should also vary their journeys so that they are less likely to go onto autopilot."