Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue, which manifests itself in ‘drowsy driving’, is an important contributor to fatal and serious injury road crashes in New Zealand. It has been acknowledged internationally for a number of years, and the issue is becoming increasingly prominent in New Zealand.

It is important to recognise that driver fatigue is a complex condition. It can be difficult to identify and recognise its role in crashes. Research suggests that in New Zealand fatigue as a contributing factor may be under-represented in the reported crash system. Without an admission from the driver concerned, or other clear evidence, it is difficult to determine the incidence of driver fatigue during a crash investigation.

Driver Fatigue Strategy

In 2007, an inter-agency strategy to combat driver fatigue was launched. This publication is designed to guide the ongoing efforts of government agencies in this important area of road safety. It demonstrates the commitment of members of the National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) and the Driver Fatigue Working Group to develop a collaborative and complementary approach to the issue of driver fatigue.

While we have made substantial improvements in road safety over the past 20 years, the nature and complexity of crashes where driver fatigue is identified presents us with a real and ongoing challenge.

This Strategy contains an Action Plan that sets out a number of key initiatives.

Download a copy of the Driver Fatigue Strategy here.

More information on driver fatigue and its involvement in road crashes can be found here.

You can also find practical advice on dealing with driver fatigue.