‘TAKE BREAKS’

The trial has resulted in Kent Police warning motorists of the dangers of driving while tired.

On the day of the motorway collision officers received a call saying that a black car was travelling on the Londonbound carriageway in a coastbound direction.

Stopko drove for more than two miles before he collided head on with the Skoda Fabia, which ended up on the central reservation.

The passenger was the more seriously injured, suffering multiple fractures which were treated at a London hospital.

PC Simon Masterson, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: “Stopko had been travelling in the correct direction and then performed a U-turn in the main carriageway and had then driven at motorway speeds in the outside lane before crashing into the Skoda.

“Too little sleep radically affects your ability to drive safely, increasing reaction times, reducing attention, and reducing your ability to control the vehicle.

“Motorists need to plan their journeys carefully to enable you to have sufficient rest beforehand, and to avoid driving at times when you’re likely to feel more tired.

“Allow enough time to take breaks and, if you feel tired on your journey, find somewhere safe to rest as soon as possible. Never try to fight off tiredness.”