Driver fatigue remains a real crash risk, says Northland Police

Drive fresh - that’s the message from Northland Police. 
 
With Road Safety Week starting Monday, May 16, Police are reminding motorists to avoid driving if you are feeling fatigued or exhausted.
 
Driver fatigue is believed to have played a part in up to 40 percent of the fatal crashes in the region during 2015, and suspected in at least three of the fatal crashes in 2016. 
 
“These deaths may have been avoided if the drivers ensured they had a good sleep before driving," says Northland District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Wayne Ewers.
 
“Fatigued drivers’ reactions are much slower, their ability to concentrate is reduced and it takes longer to interpret and understand the traffic situation.
 
“This can have devastating results especially for our loved ones left to deal with the loss. Fatigued people often forget the obvious like clicking your seatbelt in,” says Mr Ewers.
 
“A number of people would be alive today if they had taken a little extra time to sleep before driving.”
 
Mr Ewers says shift workers are a high risk group for fatigued driving. They are six times more likely to die in crashes than other road users. 
 
“Our prevention advice is if you finish your shift and you’re seriously tired, just have a quick nap before you drive home. Fifteen minutes’ sleep could save your life.
 
“Some people think other remedies, like rolling the window down or increasing the radio volume, will work, but those just mask the tiredness.”
 
Mr Ewers says other tips for avoiding fatigue include having a good night’s sleep if driving the next day, sharing the driving when possible, making sure you’re fully awake before driving, and taking plenty of breaks if driving long distances.
 
For more tips and information on avoiding driver fatigue visit http://www.nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/fatigue/
 
Police encourage drivers to call 555 if you observe driver behaviour that is inappropriate as vehicles weaving within lanes and speed variations can be signs of driver fatigue.
 
Ends
 
Kim Chambers 021 911 967/NZ Police