Hunters urged to stay alert and share the drive on their next trip to western NSW
Hunters traveling long distances across western NSW are being urged to prioritise safety and take steps to prevent driver fatigue.
Fatigue-related crashes remain a serious concern across western NSW, with many hunters driving late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
Transport for NSW is reminding drivers that research shows that driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Holly Davies emphasised the importance of recognising the warning signs and taking action before it’s too late.
“Fatigue doesn’t feel the same for everyone and that’s why self-awareness is key,” Ms Davies said.
“If you’re heading out on a long drive for a hunting trip, make sure you’ve had a proper rest beforehand and be honest with yourself about how tired you really are.”
A microsleep is a short, unplanned sleep episode and while it only takes a moment or two, the results can be catastrophic. A vehicle doing 100 km/h can travel 13 car lengths in just two seconds while completely out of the driver’s control.
“That’s more than enough to leave the road or even hit an oncoming vehicle,” Ms Davies said.
Figures show that in a five-year period between 2018-2022, driver fatigue was a significant factor in 762 casualty crashes across the western region of NSW.
Tragically, 61 people died in those crashes and 361 were seriously injured.
Saturday and Sunday were the worst days for fatigue-related crashes, while the January, Easter and Christmas holiday periods accounted for most of the holiday-related fatigue collisions.
Ms Davies said fatigue-related crashes can occur on any trip, regardless of its length or time of day, and encouraged hunters to share these tips with their mates:
• Share the driving: Switching drivers on long trips can help prevent fatigue
• Recognise the warning signs: Yawning, trouble focusing, drifting in the lane, or feeling restless are all indicators that it’s time to take a break
• Take a power nap: If you feel drowsy, pull over in a safe location and rest for 15-20 minutes before continuing your journey
• Plan ahead: Getting a full night’s sleep before hitting the road, is essential for staying alert on the road.
“Many hunters travel in groups so we encourage passengers to stay alert and help keep an eye on the driver. If the driver is showing any of the warning signs, speak up, suggest a break or change drivers,” Ms Davies said.
“Fatigue can set in without warning, and no hunt is worth risking your life. A short rest stop could be the difference between making it home safely or not at all.”
The annual campaign, featuring variable messaging signs beside key routes in western NSW and fatigue awareness messaging in service stations and eateries, will run from April 14-28 and take in the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends.
The campaign will target young hunters to remind them of the need to plan properly for their trips into the bush, encourage them to rest before setting off on a long trip, to be aware of the signs of fatigue, to share the driving, and to assess their own readiness for driving by visiting www.testyourtiredself.com.au or downloading the app.
For more information on fatigue-related crashes, go to www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/topics-tips/fatigue.