Young hunters the target as road safety campaign clocks up three years
Groups of young recreational hunters heading bush in regional NSW throughout April are being reminded that taking the time out to sleep could be a life or death decision.
The groups of mostly young men who travel long distances in western NSW to go pigging and hunting are being reminded to be mindful of the risks of fatigue as they hit the road, as part of a safety awareness campaign that is now in its third year.
The campaign includes fatigue awareness messaging to be posted in service stations and diners across the western region and electronic message signs beside the Mitchell, Barrier, Newell, Castlereagh, Oxley and Great Western highways reminding drivers to take a break.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said sharing driving duties was an easy way to ensure everyone was well rested during a road trip.
“There’s nothing like a road trip with your mates and the Easter long weekend, school holidays and Anzac Day public holiday are traditionally popular times to get away together,” the spokesperson said.
“Recreational hunting trips, in particular, typically involve groups of two or more young men driving hundreds of kilometres out west, hunting until dawn and then driving home.
“It’s a recipe for disaster and we urge them to rethink their plans to avoid becoming another tragic statistic.”
Transport for NSW data shows in the five years to the end of 2021, driver fatigue was a significant factor in 782 casualty crashes across the western region of NSW.
Tragically, 66 people died in those crashes and 342 were seriously injured.
Saturday and Sunday were the worst days for fatigue-related crashes while the January, Christmas and Easter holiday periods accounted for most of the holiday-related fatigue collisions.
“The message to all hunters is - don’t lose sleep over your next trip away with your mates,” the spokesperson said.
“Don’t drive home tired and avoid driving at night or in the early morning when you would normally be asleep.
“Always get a good night’s sleep before travelling, share the driving on long distances, make sure someone in the car is awake to keep the driver company and plan to take regular breaks to stretch your legs and freshen up.
“Most importantly, if you feel tired, pull over in a safe place at the side of the road and take a nap before heading off again. A 15 to 20-minute sleep can be all it takes to keep you and your mates safe.”
For more information on fatigue-related crashes, go to the road safety website.