Fatigue is known as the hidden killer on WA roads because many drivers are not aware they are experiencing its effects until it is too late. Labelled as a serious road safety problem, international research suggests that between 15 to 30% of all road crashes are caused by drivers falling asleep behind the wheel (Lindheim 2008).
As a driver, fatigue can cause you several difficulties including slowing your reactions, decreasing your tolerance for other road users, poor lane tracking and maintenance of speed.
Did you know that driving after being awake for 17-19 hours is equivalent to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05?
It’s also a worry that drivers can drift in and out of sleep without even knowing it. Sleep experts call this a microsleep and it can last between three and five seconds. These naps can be fatal and are the main cause of fatigue-related crashes where the driver runs off the road.
If you are driving, you should get off the road if you:
- Are yawning
- Are blinking more than usual
- Are having trouble keeping your head up
- Notice your eyes closing for a moment or going out of focus
- Forget driving the last few kilometres.
After driving for long periods of time (more than 2 hours), you should:
- Swap drivers where possible
- Stop for a break or coffee
- Stop to have a short sleep (Office of Road Safety)
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