The NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW have joined forces to raise awareness and educate motorists of the risks associated with driving while tired on regional roads.
The agencies launched the four-week outdoor adventure and hunting driver fatigue campaign at the National Australian Field Days at Orange today (Thursday 24 October 2019), in a move to target fatigue-related fatalities on regional roads within Western Region.
The target of the campaign is to educate drivers of the dangers associated with driver fatigue – one of the big three killers on the state's roads, having claimed the lives of 78 people and left more than 770 people injured on regional NSW roads between 2016 and 2018.
Rural Crime Prevention Team State Coordinator, Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside, said the campaign will allow the two agencies to engage with motorists most at risk of falling victim to fatigue-related crashes.
Det Insp Whiteside said that the Western Region is a playground for outdoor activities such as hunting which comes with increased risks as motorists are often travelling during unusual hours of the night, on limited sleep.
"No outdoor adventure or outdoor sporting pursuit is worth your life or the lives of those people travelling in the car with you. If you're tired, stop and take a break, 'live' to enjoy the great outdoors," he said.
"The community plays a big role in helping us combat fatigue on the roads. If you work at a service station, convenience store, food outlet – anywhere that comes into contact with people who might stop during a road trip – keep an eye out for the signs of fatigue in the people you are serving. Ask them if they are okay, let them know they look a little tired, point out somewhere nearby where they could park and take a break for 20 minutes.
"A short 20minute power nap could be all it takes to save them, their passengers and other road users from potential disaster."
Centre for Road Safety Executive Director, Mr Bernard Calon, said fatigue was one of the biggest killers on country roads
"The risk of fatigue crashes in country areas is higher as drivers tend to travel longer distances," Mr Carlon said.
"Being awake for 17 hours has a similar effect on your performance and reaction time behind the wheel as a blood alcohol content of .05.
"Planning ahead is the best way to avoid being tired. Make sure you have a good night's sleep before getting behind the wheel and avoid driving at night when your body naturally wants to sleep. Plan to take regular breaks from driving and share the driving with a friend or family member if you can."
Key messages include:
- Don't drive home tired
- Avoid driving at night or early morning when you'd normally be asleep
- Get a good nights' sleep before travelling
- Plan to take regular rest breaks
- Pull over for a break – a 15 to 20minute sleep works best
- Arrange to share the driving
- Ensure someone in the vehicle is awake to keep the driver company
