Tired Drivers Risking Their Lives on Qld Roads

RACQ report


Article heading image for Tired Drivers Risking Their Lives on Qld Roads

Getty Images (supplied RACQ)

With school holidays kicking off this week it's time to consider our actions on the road as traffic increases with families travelling to get away and as always remember the Fatal Five.

In a recent survey conducted by RACQ, shocking new statistics reveal that of those surveyed,  36 percent had confessed they had driven while tired, or had experienced difficulty staying awake behind the wheel.

“Fatigue is one of the biggest killers on Queensland roads, so it’s really worrying we’re seeing so many drivers still risking their lives, and the lives of others, by driving tired,” said Lucinda Ross, spokesperson for RACQ.

“What’s bizarre, and frankly frightening, is that while our stats show many motorists flirt with fatigue when driving, a whopping 96 percent of the people we surveyed believed drowsy drivers were a danger.”

Ms Ross said RACQ was concerned many drivers mistakenly believed they could fight fatigue with quick fixes.

“Driving tired can increase your crash risk to levels similar to drink driving – it’s that serious,” she said.

“Plying yourself with coffee or putting down the windows isn’t the answer – the only real solution for fatigue is sleep.”

Ms Ross urged motorists to ensure they were fit to drive before they got behind the wheel.

“We’re calling on all Queenslanders, particularly in the lead up to school holiday road trips, to take charge of their own safety and to make sure they’re up to the task of driving,” she said.

“Have a good night’s sleep before you hit the road, and if you’re feeling drowsy, pull over and take a break. If you’re on a long journey, stop every two hours, and don’t drive more than eight to 10 hours in a 24 hour period. It could save a life.”

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23 September 2018




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