Estimates of the proportion of casualty crashes caused by driver fatigue vary but it could be as high as 20%.

Three major factors that contribute to fatigue are

• prolonged or repeated sleep loss
• being awake when you would normally be asleep
• engaging in stressful or repetitive tasks.

Research suggests that the effects of being awake for about 19 hours before driving corresponds to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .05.

Planning by drivers is the key to avoiding fatigue. Drivers should make sure that

• they have sufficient sleep before the trip
• allow for regular breaks during long periods of driving.

The Country Driving Hints booklet, Drowsy Drivers Die card and Roadside Rest Area Guide provide valuable advice on safe travel, particularly in rural areas, and includes information on avoiding driver fatigue, as well as other important advice for drivers and passengers.

• Driver Reviver – fatigue reduction program
• Roadside Rest Area Guide