DRIVER FATIGUE
FACTSHEET
Driver fatigue is one of the big three killers on NSW roads.
In 2015, more people in NSW died in fatigue-related crashes than drink driving
crashes.
Unlike a breath test, it is difficult to assess and test for driver fatigue. This makes it
critical for drivers to self-assess their own tiredness before getting behind the wheel
to make sure they are not putting themselves or others in danger.
Why is driving tired dangerous?
Being tired increases your risk of crashing – 17 hours awake has a similar effect on
driving performance as 0.05 BAC level.
Tiredness can impair your ability to drive. It can slow your reactions, affect your
ability to concentrate and impair your decision making and judgement.
Most dangerously, fatigue can lead to a microsleep – a brief and unintended episode
of sleep. You may not even be aware you have fallen asleep.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can be affected by fatigue. We are programmed by our body’s circadian
rhythms to sleep at night and be awake during the day. Problems occur if we disrupt
our natural sleep cycles and do not get enough sleep or suffer from poor quality
sleep.
People who are awake or working during the night or early in the morning when the
body naturally wants to sleep are at higher risk of driving while tired. This can
include shift workers, tradies, students, parents with young children, and people with
sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea.
When are you most at risk?
Just like tiredness can affect you at any time, fatigue-related crashes can happen on
any trip no matter how long or short or what time of day. However it is during the
night or pre-dawn hours (between midnight and 6am) where you are most at risk of a
fatigue-related crash.
It’s important to think about how tired you are before driving at any time, recognise
the early warning signs and know what to do to avoid driving tired.
Before you drive:
•
Make sure you get a good night’s sleep – most adults need about 8 hours
•
Avoid driving at night when your body will naturally want to sleep
•
Arrange to share the driving
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Driver Fatigue facts
Factsheet
•
Avoid long drives after work
•
Plan to take regular breaks from driving (use rest areas)
•
Use public transport or catch a cab
•
Ask someone for a lift
•
Check if any medicine you are taking may affect your driving
•
Know what the early warning signs of fatigue are
What are the signs?
Early warning signs include:
•
yawning
•
difficulty concentrating
•
sore or tired eyes
As soon as you experience any of the early warning signs, pull over for a break in a
safe place. Don’t wait for a microsleep – by then it’s too late.
If you feel tired when driving:
•
Pull over for a break in a safe place
•
Pull over for a nap – 20 minutes works best
•
Swap drivers if you can
•
Even if you don’t feel tired, take regular breaks to avoid becoming tired
Drinking coffee is something a lot of drivers do but remember, caffeine won’t help for
long and it doesn’t work for everyone. Caffeine is not suitable for some people and
can be harmful. Limits on the daily consumption of caffeine are recommended.
Caffeine can also affect your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep during the night.
Sleep is the only cure
Remember that sleep is the only way to overcome tiredness.
Planning ahead is the best way to avoid being tired.
Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before getting behind the wheel and avoid
driving at night when your body naturally wants to sleep.
Here are a few things you can do to improve the quality of your sleep:
• Reduce the amount of time spent watching tv and looking at your phone and
computer before you go to bed.
•
•
Get into a sleep routine (e.g take a warm shower or bath before going to bed,
listen to soothing music).
Avoid heavy meals, alcohol and tea or coffee before going to bed.
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Driver Fatigue facts
Factsheet
Campaigns
We launched “Don’t Trust Your Tired Self” in December 2013, and we know it’s
making a real difference in raising awareness about the dangers of driving while
tired.
Through this campaign, we encourage people to visit testyourtiredself.com.au to see
how tired they might be before driving, but most importantly, learn strategies to avoid
driving tired.
Testyourtiredself.com.au has had over 2,385,000 site visits and over 113,000 tests
completed.
Fatigue Infrastructure Program
In May 2016 the Minister announced $20 million funding for engineering treatments
to target fatigue-related fatalities. This includes the installation of audio tactile line
markings (rumble strips), wire rope barriers and clear zones to help reduce the
number and severity of fatigue-related crashes.
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