Fatigue (tired) drivers

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Driver fatigue may be a factor in up to 30% of fatal crashes and up to 15% of serious injury crashes.

Being tired while driving does not just concern anyone driving a long distance. It can affect shift-workers, parents/carers of young children who haven’t had much sleep and also those with sleep problems. It is as much a problem for city as country drivers.

Researchers have found:

• driving after being awake for 17 hours brings a similar crash risk to a blood alcohol level of 0.05
• driving after 24 hours without sleep corresponds to a blood alcohol level of 0.10.

Three main causes of fatigue are:

• lack of sleep
• driving when you would normally be asleep
• engaging in long, stressful or repetitive tasks before or during driving.

How can I avoid driver fatigue?

• Planning before you drive is the key to avoiding fatigue. Drivers and those who travel with them should:
• have sufficient sleep before a trip
• allow for regular breaks during long periods of driving, eg 15 minutes every two hours
• if possible, share the driving with someone else.

What do I need to look out for?

Often drivers do not realise they are becoming fatigued, but passengers can help them recognise it.

Watch for:

• impatience, lack of concentration or slow reaction times
• sweaty hands, hunger, thirst, stiffness or cramp
• wandering over the centre-line or road edge
• changes in driving speeds; or poor gear changes
• signs you are feeling drowsy, such as yawning
• sore, heavy eyes and blurred or dim vision
• droning or humming in the ears.

Heavy vehicle drivers

Fatigue is an important health and safety issue for heavy vehicle drivers. An Australian survey in 2000 found that 45% of long distance heavy vehicle drivers had experienced fatigue during their last trip.

Links

Country Driving Hints (146 kb)
Drowsy Drivers Die (65 kb)
Drivers of Heavy Vehicles
Roadside Rest Areas