Shocking Dashcam Footage Captures Driver Speeding at 100mph Before Falling Asleep on M4
In a startling incident on the M4 motorway, dashcam video has revealed the moment a driver reached speeds of 100mph before falling asleep at the wheel, putting multiple lives at risk. The footage, released by Thames Valley Police, shows Maldini Fernandes, 31, from Southall, West London, aggressively flashing his lights at other motorists in the early hours of January 18.
Dangerous Driving and Subsequent Conviction
Fernandes was convicted of driving a vehicle in a dangerous manner after the high-speed episode, which culminated in him coming to a halt between Junction 9 for Maidenhead and Junction 11 for Reading. Police reported that he remained asleep in an active lane for up to 20 minutes as other vehicles zoomed past, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic collision.
The court handed down a sentence of 30 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, along with a three-year driving disqualification. Additionally, Fernandes failed to provide a breath sample in custody, resulting in a further 12-week suspended sentence. He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay over £200 in costs.
Police and Expert Warnings on Driving Fatigue
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, "In total, he was asleep for 20 minutes. Thankfully, on this occasion no one was seriously injured or killed. If you're driving while tired, please take a break."
Driving fatigue is a critical concern on UK roads, with experts highlighting its dangers. Professor Steven Lockley, a sleep and circadian rhythm researcher at the University of Surrey, noted that fatigue is a major factor in road incidents, often surpassing the risks associated with drink or drugs. He previously warned holidaymakers about the perils of driving at night or while exhausted.
National Highways Data on Fatigue-Related Incidents
National Highways has reported that fatigue-related deaths surge during the summer months, with a 59 percent increase between June and August compared to the winter period. Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways, underscored the lethal impact of tiredness behind the wheel.
"Fatigue behind the wheel can be deadly," Hague said. "It’s not just about falling asleep; tiredness slows your reactions, clouds your judgement, and can lead to dangerous mistakes. That’s why we’re encouraging drivers to follow our advice by planning ahead, taking regular breaks, and staying refreshed."
The released dashcam footage vividly illustrates the road blurring beneath Fernandes' car as it accelerated to high speeds, with other vehicles hastily moving aside. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the severe consequences of reckless driving behaviour.
