Fatigue was identified as a contributing factor to 27 fatalities in Tasmania between 2004 and 2008 inclusive, but it could be contributing to many more. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has identified fatigue as being a factor in up to 30% of fatalities and serious injuries around the country.

The two main causes of fatigue are lack of quality sleep and driving at times when you would normally be asleep. It is alarming that 16% of Australians have reported falling asleep behind the wheel.

When driving it is important that you are well rested before you begin your journey, particularly if you are travelling long distances on rural highways and roads. The danger signs of fatigue when driving include:

  • constant yawning and sore or heavy eyes
  • delayed reactions
  • difficulty remembering the last few kilometres
  • drifting into another lane
  • daydreaming
  • varying your driving speed.

You put yourself at risk of a fatigue-related crash if you:

  • drive in the early morning (between midnight and 6am), as for most of us this is the time we would usually be asleep
  • start a trip after a long day's work or when you are already tired
  • have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnoea.

Tips to avoid fatigue include:

  • be sure to have seven or eight hours uninterrupted sleep before your trip
  • aim not to travel for more than 8 or 10 hours per day
  • share the driving and listen to your passengers if they tell you that you look tired
  • avoid alcohol before driving or during rest breaks
  • Take a break every 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Utilise the Road Safety Task Force and SES Driver Reviver sites which operate on long weekends.

While it is important to take regular breaks to help avoid the onset of fatigue when travelling, these breaks may only delay the onset of fatigue. Once fatigued you must sleep as coffee, fresh air and playing loud music to keep alert will not combat fatigue.

If you are driving a heavy vehicle it is important to know there are legal limits as to how long you can drive without a break and how long you can drive per day. You must also keep a record of your driving hours in a log book. For further information please go to www.transport.tas.gov.au