Don't get caught out by fatigue

21 Dec 2007

Media Release - 21 December 2007

Speeding, drink driving and fatigue are the three major causes of car crashes on Victorian roads. 

Today, the TAC launched a new television commercial featuring Victorian cricketer, Cameron White, which encourages people to rest and take power naps to avoid driving when tired.

The Bushrangers captain urged drivers to plan their trips in advance and include stops at Driver Reviver sites as they take to the roads this summer.

“Cricket, like driving requires full concentration, and that’s why we take a break once every two hours when we’re playing,” Cameron White said.

“Taking a rest reduces fatigue and sharpens your reflexes, to make sure you don’t take your eye off the ball, or more importantly, the road.”

The TAC’s Senior Manager of Road Safety, David Healy, says about 20 percent of fatal road crashes involve driver fatigue.

Mr Healy said driving while you’re tired is as dangerous as driving while drunk.

“If you are awake for 17 hours it has the same effect on your ability to drive as having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05,” Mr Healy said.

“Staying awake for 24 hours is even more deadly, and makes you as impaired as a driver who is twice the legal alcohol limit.”

Mr Healy said stopping the car and sleeping is the only safe way to combat fatigue.

“Having a coffee, turning up the radio or winding down the window may mask your tiredness for a while, but the effects are only temporary,” Mr Healy said.

“The best thing you can do, if you become drowsy while driving, is to find a safe place to pull over and take a 15 minute powernap.”

SES Driver Reviver sites will be operating throughout Victoria over Christmas and New Year.

The fatigue commercial will screen at the cricket and be broadcast on television from Boxing Day.

Tips to avoid fatigue

• Use Driver Reviver sites to take regular breaks
• Ensure you’ve had good quality sleep prior to a long drive
• Don’t drive at times that you would ordinarily be sleeping
• Never drink alcohol before or during long trips
• Share the driving when possible
• Schedule regular pit stops at least every 30 minutes

SES Driver Reviver sites
Princes Highway, Colac
Glenelg Highway, Coleraine
Glenelg Highway, Warrayure
Hamilton Highway, Lismore
Wimmera Highway, Edenhope
Hume Highway, Euroa
High Street, Heathcote
Franklin River Reserve, South Gippsland Highway, Foster
Anderson Street and Koonwarra Road, Leongatha
Morwell Service Station, Princes Highway, Morwell
Newmeralla Reserve, Princes Highway, Orbost
Blind Joes Creek, Princes Highway, Rosedale
Anchorage Caravan Park, Port Fairy
Customer Store, Cromie Street, Rupanyup
Lions Park, Moora Road, Rushworth
Murray Valley Highway, Bullioh
Ryans Creek, Calder Highway, Wedderburn