The underlining Results of a Number of Worldwide Studies into Fatigue – the Silent Killer

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is thought to be one of the biggest killers on Australian roads, rivalling if not equalling the effects of speed and alcohol. But the full extent of its role is not really known – unlike alcohol and drugs, fatigue can't be tested for in post-mortems. Many researchers have concluded that this is the reason for the big difference between the lowest and highest estimates in the role of fatigue on the Australian road toll.

The effects of fatigue on driver performance have been documented in numerous studies in which subjects were required to perform driving tasks after long hours of wakefulness. Fatigue manifests itself in:

* Slower reaction times: fatigue increases the time taken to react in an emergency;
* Reduced vigilance: subjects perform worse on attention-based tasks when sleep-deprived. For example, a fatigued driver will be slower to notice oncoming hazards, such as roadworks or a railway crossing; and
* Information processing: fatigue reduces both the ability to process information and the accuracy of short-term memory. Thus, a fatigued driver may not remember the previous few minutes of driving and will be slower in evaluating oncoming hazards.

Highlights from Findings of These Studies

The Centre for Sleep Research at Flinders University in South Australia has likened fatigue-induced impairments to those caused by alcohol:

* A person kept awake for 17 hours will perform at a standard comparable to that of someone with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 per cent (the legal limit in Australia).
* After 24 hours without sleep, a person will have capabilities similar to someone with a BAC of 0.10 per cent.

Causes of Driver Fatigue

A number of factors can contribute to a driver becoming excessively fatigued. Lack of quality sleep is the primary cause of driver fatigue, especially when a driver fails to obtain sufficient sleep over a number of days or weeks.

Other causes of excessive driver fatigue include:

* Working long hours.
Drivers are often required to work hard physically
* Driving long hours.
Long periods of driving can increase driver fatigue and the likelihood of a fatigue related accident
* Poor driver health and fitness.
Being healthy and keeping fit are not only good for you but can help you to stay alert when driving
* Taking drugs or driving under the influence of alcohol.
Alcohol reduces a driver’s alertness and increases the likelihood of sleep. Stimulant drugs such as Methedrine can lead to sudden and unexpected increases in the level of driver fatigue
* Night driving
The risk of an accident occurring can more than double when driving between midnight and dawn, particularly between 1:00 am and 6:00 am

Signs of Fatigue

* Constant yawning
* Slowed reactions
* Heavy or sore eyes
* Blurred vision
* Poor concentration
* Impatience
* Driving at different speeds
* Letting your vehicle wander across the road
* Poor gear changing, indicator use and use of other vehicle controls
* Not remembering the last few kilometres you have driven

What is Micro Napping?

Micro sleep can be nodding off for between 2 seconds and 30 seconds without even realising it, occurs when people are tired but trying to stay awake and is most common among sleep-deprived people in monotonous situations.

* So, someone driving on a motorway at 110kmh who nodded off for just 6 seconds would travel 0.16 kilometres (184 metres) in that time
* Don't take the risk

Tips for getting good sleep

* At home - Find the best room temperature to get to sleep (it will probably be between 18°C and 22°C
* On the Road - Drink plenty of water and try to take regular rest breaks in a quiet, cool environment
* Eat Healthy and Get Fit - A healthy diet and regular exercise will reduce one’s weight and improve one’s fitness
* Reduce Intakes of Unhealthy Foods - Not many people set out to eat a lot of unhealthy food that contain excessive quantities of fats, sugars and salt, but these come with many of our favourite foods such as burgers, chips and ice cream

The Mondial Assistance Provider Network

Mondial Assistance has a comprehensive network of expert service providers, mobile mechanics and tow truck operators located throughout Australia. With our comprehensive coverage, coupled with Mondial Assistance's service providers, help is always nearby.

Dedicated providers are operating in capital cities to ensure expeditious, quality roadside assistance. These service providers are specifically trained and equipped to provide roadside assistance in:

* Customer Service Skills
* Efficient Diagnostic ability
* Mobilisation techniques
* Mechanical assistance
* Vehicle Lock outs (e.g. access by spare keys)
* Spare Tyre replacements
* Out of Fuel
* Battery Replacement
* Recovery of vehicle
* Securing of vehicle (e.g. recovery to holding yard)

Being a Mondial Assistance Provider

Mondial Assistance Providers respond rapidly and professionally in all incidents.

Want to become a Mondial Assistance’s Provider?

Call our Provider Relationship Managers for more information.

Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales – Phone: 07 3305 7097
Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia – Phone: 07 3305 7090