The best way to prevent driver fatigue is to make sure you have enough sleep before driving, regardless of the length of your trip.
The best way to avoid a fatal fatigue crash while driving is to recognise the early warning signs:
- Yawning
- Poor concentration
- Tired eyes
- Restlessness
- Drowsiness
- Slow reactions
- Boredom
- Oversteering
Tips on avoiding fatigue-related accidents:
- Get a good night’s sleep before commencing a long trip.
- Do not drive at times when you would normally be asleep.
- Avoid long drives after work.
- Take regular breaks from driving (use Rest areas).
- Share the driving whenever possible.
- Pull over and stop when drowsiness, discomfort or loss of concentration occurs.
- Find out whether any medicine you are taking may affect your driving.
Click here for more information on sleep debt and sleep/wake cycles.
Rest areas
Rest areas are places where you can park safely, get out of your car and refresh yourself before continuing on your journey. They are available 24 hours a day all year round and are clearly signposted.
Service centres, petrol stations, parks and country towns are other places you can stop and take a break from driving.
You can download, view and print maps showing roadside rest areas throughout NSW. Click on the link at the bottom of this page, then select from the overview map of NSW or by individual highway.
Driver Reviver sites
Around 100 Driver Reviver sites operate across NSW at peak holiday periods. They offer a safe place to stop for a biscuit and a cup of Bushells tea or coffee.
These sites are clearly signposted and are proudly supported by Bushells Tea and Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority). Driver Reviver is run by volunteer community groups including the Volunteer Rescue Association, State Emergency Services and Lions Club International.
A map of Driver Reviver sites is available from the ‘useful downloads’ below. It’s important to use rest area options when driving during non-peak periods when Driver Reviver sites aren’t in operation.