A NEW invention which could prevent a repeat of the Selby rail disaster was unveiled today.

The device, invented by brothers Gareth and David Roberts, aims to stop drivers falling asleep at the wheel.

Gary Hart, from Lincolnshire, was jailed for five years for causing the deaths of the ten Great Heck rail crash victims by dangerous driving.

The jury convicted him of falling asleep at the wheel of his Land Rover before it careered off the M62 on to the East Coast Main Line at Great Heck, near Selby.

The creators claim their mobile safety alarm, which is worn on the driver's ear, could prevent hundreds of sleep-related accidents that occur on Britain's roads every year.

As the driver's head falls forward as he starts to nod off, the audible alarm is activated. The lightweight Drivers Mate Stay Awake has been endorsed by Trevor Baylis, inventor of the clockwork radio and presenter of BBC's Best Inventions programme.

An RAC report reveals that more than four million drivers nod off at the wheel every year, and, according to the Department of Transport, about 20 per cent of motorway accidents are caused by drivers falling asleep.

The Midlands brothers are now looking for a multi-national company to manufacture and market their product worldwide.

They said the device also increased the chances of survival for motorists, just like a seat belt.

Gareth, 36, said: "We cannot say it would have prevented the Selby rail disaster because we don't know the driver's exact circumstances.

"What we do know is that this device, costing just £15 to £20, can not only protect drivers but anyone else who could be affected by an accident."

Brother David, 39, said: "We had to research and develop a product that would not encourage a drowsy driver to keep going, and would not interfere with the normal range of movement required for driving."

TV presenter Trevor Baylis said the invention could have a positive impact on road safety and could be useful for people with medical conditions, which cause them to suddenly fall asleep.

He said: "If a product like this can save just one life then there's a need for it."

Updated: 11:13 Wednesday, March 06, 2002