Drivers ignoring fatigue

New research from motor vehicle insurer AAMI shows that younger, less experienced drivers are the least likely to stop driving when fatigued, with 38 per cent of drivers aged 18 to 24 and 35 per cent  of drivers aged 25 to 34 saying they weren't likely to take a rest break.  The internet survey of 2818 Australians also found that one in 10 who have been involved in a motor vehicle accident listed fatigue as a contributing factor.

AAMI spokesperson Mike Sopinski said this was an alarming statistic which highlighted the importance of taking regular rest breaks when driving long distances.  "People driving when tired or driving over long distances without sufficient breaks are putting themselves and other road users at risk," he said.

"Yet half of all drivers nationally (49 per cent) say they are willing to drive for three or more hours without stopping for a break and one in every 12 drivers (8 per cent) admits they are willing to take the risk of driving for more than four hours straight."

The worst offending drivers are in the Northern Territory where there are vast distances to cover, while Tasmania and ACT had the best fatigue record.  On a positive note, the research shows that more than half of Australian drivers (53 per cent) have stopped at a Driver Reviver site or rest area when on the road during holiday periods.

The findings come as many Australian families will hit the road this Queen's Birthday long weekend.  Sopinski suggested drivers rest before heading off, share the driving, take regular rest stops, allow extra travel time and avoid starting a long trip at the end of the day.

FATIGUE FACTS

Drivers admit falling asleep: 24% (national), 25% (Qld), 23% (NSW), 24% (Vic), 22% (Tas), 22% (SA), 24% (ACT), 32% (NT)

Fatigue a factor in crash: 9% (national), 6% (Qld), 11% (NSW), 6% (Vic), 12% (Tas), 10% (SA), 9% (ACT), 11% (NT)

Will drive when tired: 24% (national), 27% (Qld), 22% (NSW), 21% (Vic), 25% (Tas), 26% (SA), 28% (ACT), 36% (NT)

Will drive 3 or more hours without stopping: 49% (National), 56% (Qld), 45% (NSW), 50% (Vic), 36% (Tas), 56% (SA), 48% (ACT), 72% (NT)

Will drive more than four hours without stopping: 12% (National), 10% (Qld), 6% (NSW), 7% (Vic), 4% (Tas), 11% (SA), 3% (ACT), 31% (NT)

Stopped at Driver Reviver: 53% (national), 54% (Qld), 59% (NSW), 50% (Vic), 49% (Tas), 43% (SA), 63% (ACT), 50% (NT)