Driver fatigue statistics/Trends
- Fatigue contributes to 20-30% of all deaths on the road. This means it is as major a contributory factor to the road toll as speeding and drink driving.
- The contribution of fatigue may even reach 40-50% in particular crash types, such as fatal single vehicle semi-trailer crashes
- A driver is 4 times more likely to have a fatal fatigue crash if they are driving between 10pm and dawn
- Nearly 30% of all fatal fatigue crashes occur during public and school holiday periods
- Young male drivers and riders – research indicates that 75.5% of fatigued drivers and riders involved in single vehicle crashes in 1998 were male, with 35.1% being aged between 17 and 24 years of age. Drivers and riders aged over 50 years are more often involved in fatigue crashes in the afternoon (12-6pm).
- The contribution of fatigue may even reach 40-50% in particular crash types, such as fatal single vehicle semi-trailer crashes
- A driver is 4 times more likely to have a fatal fatigue crash if they are driving between 10pm and dawn
- Nearly 30% of all fatal fatigue crashes occur during public and school holiday periods
- Young male drivers and riders – research indicates that 75.5% of fatigued drivers and riders involved in single vehicle crashes in 1998 were male, with 35.1% being aged between 17 and 24 years of age. Drivers and riders aged over 50 years are more often involved in fatigue crashes in the afternoon (12-6pm).
Driver fatigue campaigns
There are many driver fatigue campaigns including "Stop, Revive, Survive" which is in effect through out the states of Australia, "Wake up to The Signs" and the "Don't Trust Your Tired Self" campaign which is currently running at the moment in New South Wales.
"Don't Trust Your Tired self" Campaign add
"Don't Trust Your Tired self" Campaign add
Signs and Symptoms of Driver FAtigue
- Drifting out of your lane;
- Unintended changes in speed;
- Drowsiness, heavy-feeling eyelids and microsleep;
- Yawning
- Loss of concentration.
PREVENTING FATIGUE RELATED CRASHES
If you recognise the signs of driver fatigue you should take a break from driving by either stopping completely in a safe location off the road or by changing drivers at a "Stop, Revive, Survive".Traffic authorities across Australia have pursued a number of advertising campaigns to address driver fatigue, with each approach synonymous with the message "Stop, Revive, Survive".
When driving take frequent breaks when driving, especially during high-risk times (10pm to dawn), with every 2 hours being the recommended frequency of breaks. Also try not to drive more than 8 to 10 hours every day. If possible share the driving burden with passengers, especially for long trips.
When driving take frequent breaks when driving, especially during high-risk times (10pm to dawn), with every 2 hours being the recommended frequency of breaks. Also try not to drive more than 8 to 10 hours every day. If possible share the driving burden with passengers, especially for long trips.