More than three million British drivers have fallen asleep behind the wheel in the last year, according to new research.

Almost one in 10 (3.4 million) of the UK's more than 38 million motorists "nodded off" while driving, a survey for LV= car insurance firm found.

It contributed to at least 3,357 fatigue-related accidents which have been recorded over the past five years, according to official police figures obtained by the company. Among the main causes were long and monotonous roads, a lack of sleep, driving long distances to a holiday destination or after a late work shift.

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