Footy-mad family wins tickets in road safety competition

Burnley football fan Martha Donoghue and her two daughters were guests at the club’s match last Saturday, after winning tickets in a competition organised by the local road safety group.

As part of the competition in the local press, which was organised by Lancashire County Council's Road Safety Group, readers were asked: 'How many road crashes per year are caused by fatigue?' The answer is a staggering 23,200 - which highlights the prevalence of driver fatigue and emphasises the need to reinforce the Don't Drive Tired message.

Mrs Donoghue and her two daughters, Sophie and Jessica, are keen Burnley fans. Sophie's love for the club amounts to more than just watching - the talented footballer is also a proud member of the Club’s under-11s team. The Wimbledon match was crucial as both clubs are battling to stay in Nationwide League Division One.

"Falling asleep at the wheel is reckoned to account for up to 20 per cent of accidents on long journeys on trunk roads and motorways," said senior road safety adviser Christine Gibson. "Through working with local football clubs we hope to communicate the dangerous consequences of driver fatigue to a more diverse audience."

The photograph shows Martha, Jessica (bottom left) and Sophie receiving their tickets from Burnley's Anthony Fairclough.