Skip Ribbon Commands
Navigate Up
Sign In

Skip Navigation LinksHome > Explore > Road safety > Fatigue

FATIGUE

A driver suffering from fatigue can be just as dangerous as a drunk driver.
 
Driver fatigue contributes to a significant proportion of road deaths each year.
  

A recent study by the Centre for Sleep Research in South Australia revealed that if you drive after being awake for 17 hours, the risk of crashing is as great as being at the 0.05 legal drinking limit. Driving after 24 hours without sleep gives you the same risk as someone with a blood alcohol level of 0.1.

When we are deprived of sleep our bodies build up a sleep debt that can only be reduced by getting adequate sleep. Driving while sleep-deprived, especially late at night, at dawn and in the late afternoon, can be deadly. 
​ 
HIGH RISK TIMES  for fatigue - related fatal crashes
Early morning 4 am - 8 am
Afternoon 12 noon - 2 pm
 
Fatigue develops slowly and drivers often don’t realise they are too tired to drive safely. Don't try to fight fatigue. Get to know the warnings signs.
Fatigue develops slowly and drivers often don’t realise they are too tired to drive safely. Don't try to fight fatigue. Get to know the warnings signs.

Stop, Revive SurviveThe warning signs of fatigue include:

  • occasional yawning
  • drowsiness, nodding off
  • minor aches and pains
  • light headache
  • tired eyes
  • light boredom or fidgeting
  • drifting of attention
  • tenseness, nervousness
  • difficulty concentrating, missing traffic signs.
  • sore and heavy eyes or you start seeing things
  • thinking of everything else but not your driving
  • you feel stiff or cramped, restlessness
  • you struggle to hold your head up
  • you drift off the road
  • you drift between lanes or miss traffic signs
  • you don't remember driving the last few kilometres.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be in danger of falling asleep. Once fatigue sets in, there is little you can do about it except stop as soon as possible and take a break.

How to avoid fatigue on longer trips

A fatigue related crash could occur within moments of a driver losing concentration at the wheel.  The best way to avoid fatigue on longer trips is to:
  • Be completely rested and alert when you set out
  • Take a break from driving at least every two hours. Don’t wait until you are feeling tired. Breaks from driving can prevent fatigue altogether
  • Watch out for signs of fatigue such as drowsiness, aches and pains, tired eyes, lazy steering and losing concentration
  • At the first sign of fatigue, pull over at the nearest safe place and rest until you feel completely revived
  • Don’t plan to drive too far in one trip ‑ stop overnight if you can
  • Avoid driving long distances after a long or hard day at work
  • Share the driving whenever possible
  • Avoid drinking and driving. Even one alcoholic drink can make you drowsy
  • If you are on medication, check labels and directions or ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects that might affect your driving

Download  NSW Rest Area maps.

Remember, the only cure for fatigue is sleep.
Fatigue kills on short trips too.

For more information, contact Auburn City Council's Road Safety Officer rso@auburn.nsw.gov.au
© Copyright 2010 Auburn City Council.   All rights reserved.