Fatigue is one of the top five factors contributing to road crashes.
Fatigue isn’t just falling asleep at the wheel; it’s also lapses in concentration experienced by drivers that have serious consequences.
In Queensland, between 2008 and 2013, more than 15% of fatalities were identified as being fatigue-related crashes. The actual number may be much higher as it can be difficult to identify fatigue as a causal factor.
Research shows that being awake for more than 17 hours is similar to having more than two standard drinks and having a blood alcohol content of more than 0.05.
Avoid fatigue
Avoid driving at night when your body naturally wants to sleep.
Avoid long drives after work.
Understand whether any medicine you are taking might affect your driving.
Today’s key event
Federal Truckie Toolbox Talk – Truckies travelling on the M1 North bound are being encouraged to make the most of their fatigue break by taking a pit-stop at the Federal Site – 1.2 km past exit 244 on the Bruce Highway for a rest, free BBQ, and some great advice on how to better plan their trip to avoid fatigue while driving.
Visit jointhedrive.qld.gov.au/road-safety-week for more information and to Speak up for Road Safety.
Queensland Road Safety Week is a joint initiative of the Queensland Police Service and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
RACQ, the Motor Accident Insurance Commission, and the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q), are proud supporters of the event.
