SOUTH-WEST motorists planning to hit the road this Easter are being warned to carefully plan their trip and avoid driving tired.
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VicRoads research reveals fatigue is a factor in 20 per cent of the state’s road deaths.
South-west regional director William Tieppo urged the region’s drivers to take care over the Easter break.
“Fatigue can be a significant issue when driving long distances, or after a long day or week at work. People driving when tired or driving over long distances without taking rest breaks are putting themselves, their passengers and other road users at risk,” he said.
Transport Accident Commission (TAC) research echoes VicRoads’ findings, revealing one in 10 country drivers regularly drive while drowsy.
TAC chief executive officer Janet Dore said country drivers were at a higher risk as they generally travelled at higher speeds and for longer distances.
“Put simply, you can’t fight sleep. Drowsiness is a chemical process, not a choice, and the only way to overcome it is by sleeping,” she said.
“If you’re feeling drowsy, that is a sign that sleep could set in at any moment and without further warning.”
The TAC estimates driving after 17 hours without sleep is the same as driving with a blood-alcohol content of .05 and after 24 hours it is the same as driving at 0.1.
Ms Dore urges drivers fighting fatigue to stop at a Driver Reviver site along their route.
“Driver Reviver sites provide a great opportunity to get out of the car, refresh, stretch your legs and break up your trip over a cup of tea,” she said.
Driver Reviver sites will run in south-west towns including Lismore, Colac and Skipton.
Mr Tieppo said heavy traffic was expected on south-west roads this long weekend, especially on Thursday afternoon as many people headed to their destinations.
“During these busy times it is really important for all road users to be patient — it is better to get to your destinations a few minutes later, than not at all,” he said.
“Whether you are just driving around the corner to spend time with friends and family, or travelling further afield, this long weekend plan to arrive safely.”