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Fatigue message a yawn for NSW drivers?
22/01/2010
NRMA Insurance is urging New South Wales drivers heading away this Australia Day weekend to wake up to fatigue warnings after research revealed three out of four sometimes drive while tired*.
The NRMA Insurance survey found women are generally more likely to risk fatigue with more than 75 per cent confessing to driving while tired.
The research also found that many male drivers ignore road safety advice about taking a break. Nearly 80 per cent admitted to driving for a period of longer than two hours.
NRMA Insurance spokesperson Emily Gatt, said it was important all drivers were both awake and alert before getting in the car, particularly on long trips.
“A lot of us are probably keen to reach our destinations, especially if we’re heading away for long weekends. But, unfortunately, around one in six fatalities involve fatigue**,” Ms Gatt said.
“Too many of us appear to be driving while tired or avoiding breaks every two hours – and that means too many of us are taking big risks on the road.
“It’s important to allow plenty of time for the trip, and if you’re restless or yawning, pull over for a break.”
Ms Gatt said those driving between 10pm and dawn, when we normally sleep, were more likely to be involved in a fatigue-related collision.
“Driver fatigue is not just influenced by how long someone has been at the wheel, but also by the time of day or night and how rested a driver is before they start out,” she said.
“We also support the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association who will be manning a number of Driver Reviver sites across NSW over this holiday period. So if you're on the road, take a break and stay safe.”
To reduce the risk of driver fatigue:
- Make sure you are well rested before starting your trip;
- Take a break from driving at least every 2 hours;
- Don’t drive when you would normally be asleep;
- Include an overnight stop on long trips;
- Where possible, plan to share the driving.
* Based on research carried out by Pure Profile for NRMA Insurance, September 2009.
** www.rta.nsw.gov.au