FATIGUE the silent killer on our roads Toolbox
FATIGUE – the silent killer on our roads Toolbox Talk March-April 2017
FATIGUE – THE SILENT KILLER ON OUR ROADS • 20%-30% of all fatal traffic accidents are related to driver fatigue • 16 people were killed in fatigue-related crashes in WA in 2015 • 21 people were critically injured in fatigue-related crashes in WA in 2015 • Fatigue crashes are twice as likely to be fatal than any other crash – you can’t brake when you’re asleep • Fatigue-related crashes increase during holiday periods such as Easter
ARE YOU AT RISK OF DRIVING TIRED? • I’m a careful driver so I can drive safely when I’m a bit sleepy • I can tell when I’m going to fall asleep FALSE • Younger people need less sleep FALSE • Older people need less sleep • Caffeine replaces the need for sleep FALSE Driving is a complex task that requires sustained concentration No responsible road users can afford to be fatigued FALSE
FATIGUE CAUSES • 7 -8 hour continuous, quality sleep per 24 -hour period is needed - get less and you build up a sleep debt • Shift-work, medication and long-distance driving can impact your fatigue levels behind the wheel • Most common period for fatigue-related crashes is 1 am-6 am when our body clock tells us we should be asleep • Shift-workers are six times more likely to be involved in a fatigue-related road crash
DANGERS POSED BY FATIGUE BEHIND THE WHEEL • Micro-sleep Ø Sudden naps that can last 3 -30 seconds Ø If you fall asleep for 4 seconds while travelling at 100 kmh, your car will travel for 111 m with no one in control • Sleep debt is like being drunk at the wheel Ø Driving after being awake for 17 -19 hours = 0. 05% blood-alcohol level Ø Driving after being awake for 24 hours = 0. 1% blood-alcohol level • Impaired driving skills Ø Being tired behind the wheel slows reaction times and impairs concentration, coordination and decision-making When a split second can mean the difference between life and death, each one counts
AVOID BEING TIRED BEHIND THE WHEEL • Get a proper nights’ sleep • If you’re tired, delay your journey or make alternative travel plans • Take a break every two hours you’re behind the wheel • If you become drowsy behind the wheel, pull over where it’s safe and take a power nap of at least 20 minutes • Speak up and get help – tell your supervisor or passengers • Other ideas?
VIDEO PRESENTATIONS • The Industry Road Safety Alliance South West had put together a 2. 49 minute animation on the causes and risks of fatigue on our roads: https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=0 Gv. YRPV 6 CAA • The Road Safety Commission has put together a 30 -second video that demonstrates the very real impact of fatigue on our roads: https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=FB 8 -b. EXZt 3 w • Ergon Energy has put together a powerful 8. 24 -minute video telling the story of the family Trevor Deakin, a mine shift worker, who was killed in a crash when driving home tired from work to start the Easter break with his family in 2004. If timing is tight, the video can be watched from 0. 004. 05 minutes or 7. 19 -8. 24 minutes. https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=9 RAg. Hs 9576 o
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