Driver Distraction and Fatigue Scale of problem and

Driver Distraction and Fatigue: Scale of problem and data collection Chris Foley, Principal Adviser, Ministry of Transport

Safer Journeys – Driver Fatigue and Distraction • Reducing the impact of fatigue and addressing distraction areas of medium concern for Safer Journeys New Zealand’s Road Safety Strategy 2010 -2020. • This is a significant increase in the level of concern about these issues from the previous Road Safety Strategy to 2010. • Reflects an increasing recognition of these factors as crash causes.

What we know already • The Safer Journeys Action Plan 2011 -2012 tasks the Ministry of Transport with improving crash information on fatigue and distraction. Fatigue • Between 2006 and 2010 fatigue contributed to 13% of fatal crashes and 7% of serious injury crashes. • In 2010, these crashes resulted in 181 serious injuries and 51 deaths. In 2010, it was estimated that the social cost of crashes involving fatigue was $346 million. Distraction • Between 2006 and 2010 distraction, or inattention, contributed to 10% of fatal and serious injury crashes. • In 2010, these crashes resulted in 242 serious injuries and 34 deaths. In 2010, it was estimated that the social cost of crashes involving distraction was $373 million.

Improving our crash information • One of the goals of Safer Journeys is by 2020, New Zealanders’ management of driver distraction and fatigue is a habitual part of what it is to be a safe and competent driver. • It is necessary to have accurate data to ensure we know the scope of the problem and to properly inform effective and efficient policy action.