The problem of driver fatigue, one of the three big killers on Australian roads, is the target of a new national campaign coordinated by the road safety officer of two central west councils, and supported by the Australian Government.
The 'Tired? Power Nap Now' campaign was launched today in Orange (22 February) as part of the inaugural National Driver Fatigue Week.
The aim of the campaign is to educate drivers about the early warning signs of fatigue and to boost awareness of how a 'power nap' can help prevent a tragedy.
Orange Mayor Cr Jason Hamling welcomed the new campaign.
LAUNCH: Community leaders gather for the launch of the 'Tired? Power Nap Now' road safety campaign. (l.to r.) Orange Mayor Jason Hamling, Member for Calare Andrew Gee, Road Safety Officer Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan and Cabonne Deputy Mayor Jamie Jones.
"I'm sure every driver can remember an experience when, driving home after a long day, they begin to struggle to keep their eyes open," Cr Jason Hamling said. "At that point there's a real danger of falling into a micro-sleep and that's when tragedies can happen."
The message of this national campaign is simple: 'Tired? Power nap now'. This campaign is adding an important dimension to the 'Stop. Revive. Survive.' message.
"We want to people to recognise the signs of fatigue and pull over as soon as they can," Cr Hamling said.
"I'm delighted that local Councils can work with the Australian Government and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to deliver this important road safety message."
Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel, Andrew Gee, supports the campaign and congratulates Ms Hamilton-Vaughan and her team for the initiative that will benefit all road users, as well as businesses, communities, and families.
"It doesn't matter if you're driving an 18-wheeler or a Toyota Corolla, don't drive while you're tired," said Minister Gee. "This Tired? Power Nap Now campaign is a wonderful example of local road safety advocates creating and implementing a strategy to help lead change that will increase road safety for heavy vehicle drivers, and in fact, all motorists."
"I applaud the work Ms Hamilton-Vaughan and her team has completed to get this project off the ground. The Australian Government is proudly funding the road safety campaign with a $135-thousand grant as part of its $28 million Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.
"I know local transport operators and drivers will get on board and support this wonderful campaign that has the potential to save many lives. I'm hoping it will be rolled out to other council areas in coming months and years and become a national initiative," Mr Gee said.
Orange and Cabonne Road Safety Officer Andrew Hamilton-Vaughan said stopping for a power nap is an important option for drivers.
"A power nap is a short sleep that ends before the driver goes into deep sleep," Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan said. "It is intended to quickly revitalise a person, to reduce stress and anxiety and improve concentration and situation awareness."
"We know that many drivers struggle to keep their eyes open, but too often they keep on driving, and that can end with dire consequences."
"This campaign is about trying to add another important factor to how professional truck drivers and everyday commuters manage fatigue. Making the connection between feeling tired and the option of power nap is what we want all drivers to think about."
The new national 'Tired? Power Nap Now' campaign will feature a number of components:
- Vinyl campaign posters (see image) are being made available free to major trucking companies
- The www.powernap.org.au website has been developed including maps of rest stops across Australia and a power-nap awareness competition with a $500 fuel card as first prize.
- More than 100,000 branded takeaway coffee cups with the 'Tired? Power Nap Now' message are being distributed free to highway roadhouses across the country
- A social media campaign featuring specially-produced videos
National Driver Fatigue Week is supported by a $135,000 grant from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and the Australian Government.
