Reducing the impact of fatigue

• Over the period 2004-2008 fatigue contributed to 7 percent of serious injury crashes and 12 percent of fatal crashes. In 2008 these crashes resulted in 190 serious injuries and 42 deaths.
• It is believed that fatigue cause far more road deaths and injuries that these statistics show.

How can we reduce the impact of fatigue?

Increase the range of information
We know there is widespread understanding that fatigue is a road safety issue, but people often do not recognise the signs of fatigue and when to stop driving. We could provide information on how to recognise the signs of fatigue and how to deal with it.

Promotion to increase the use of roadside stopping places
Although we have a network of rest areas, their location, attractiveness, safety and signage may make drivers reluctant to use them. We could also assess whether we have enough suitable rest areas.

Consider introducing an offence for driving while fatigued
Some overseas jurisdictions have an offence for driving while fatigued
(eg drivers can be prosecuted if they have been awake for more than 24 consecutive hours before a crash causing death). We could investigate making driving while fatigued an offence.

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