Driver ‘falls asleep at the wheel’ and causes crash

Driver 'falls asleep at the wheel' and causes crash (Image: Hampshire Police)

A CAR crashed off the side of a dual carriageway after a driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel.

A 4x4 was struck by another vehicle on the A31 westbound by Castle Malwood Hill on Monday afternoon during rush hour.

Police rushed to the scene and quickly put a lane closure in place as they dealt with the incident.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police Roads Unit said: “The innocent driver of this 4x4 was struck by a motorist on the A31, who fell asleep at the wheel.

“Thankfully no one was injured. Please, pull over and take a rest when driving if you feel tired. It’s not worth the risk.”

Providing more information this afternoon, a Hampshire Police spokesman said they were called to the crash just before 5pm.

He added no injuries were reported and no arrests were made.

The government say you should inform thew DVLA if you have confirmed moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), with excessive sleepiness, either narcolepsy or cataplexy, or any other sleep condition that has caused excessive sleepiness for at least three months - including suspected or confirmed mild OSAS.

Fines of up to £1,000 can be dished out if you fail to inform them of relevant medical conditions.