Returning holidaymakers could be a danger on the roads because of a condition identified as "driver lag", warns a new report. The problem was similar to jet lag, but affected people driving home from an airport.
A survey of over 2,000 adults drivers showed that 4 per cent admitted they lost concentration or drove too fast leaving an airport. Some of those questioned said they were more irritable with other motorists and conceded that their reaction times were slower.
Ian Parker, managing director of Privilege Insurance, said: "We are advising drivers to take plenty of rest before driving home or consider alternative transport such as a lift from friends or family or public transport."
Aviation health expert Farrol Kahn, who took part in the research, said: "The study shows that air travel can exacerbate the tiredness of motorists and endanger road safety.
"It establishes a direct link between flying and road safety. Driver lag has all the similar symptoms to jet lag and can affect all motorists irrespective of age. "