A quarter of UK motorists have admitted to driving while tired in the last six months.

Of these, 42% opted to carry on behind the wheel rather than take a break, a survey of 2,000 adults by insurance company esure found.

Carrying on while fatigued was worst among 18 to 34-year-old drivers, while Londoners were the ones most likely to continue when tired. Men (48%) were more likely than women (32%) to stay at the wheel when tired.

Andrew Lowe, head of motor at esure, said: 'The research presented alarming findings in the number of motorists that ignore the danger of fatigue while driving. This is a particular concern at this time of year for people driving longer distances or unsociable hours to holiday destinations or the airport.'