Ahead of the Easter holiday period, Industry Road Safety Alliance South West has pleaded with drivers to actively think about ways they can stay safe and prevent road trauma.
The Industry Road Safety Alliance South West brings together community, industry, and government to address road safety issues in the regional area bounded by Greater Bunbury, Collie, Boddington, and Pinjarra.
Every Easter, lives are lost or shattered as people hit the road to make the most of the extended break.
During 2017, 158 people were killed in crashes on WA roads.
Alarmingly, 90 of those deaths occurred on regional roads.
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This year, the alliance is asking people what they will do to prevent another Easter tragedy and another terrible year on WA roads.
“It’s tragic but true that road trauma is nearly as synonymous with Easter as chocolate eggs,” the alliance issued in a statement on Monday.
“If you’re planning on travelling this Easter, make sure you’re not fatigued – it’s the silent killer on our roads and one of the biggest risks during holidays.
“The most common period for fatigue-related crashes is between 1 am and 6 am when our body clock tells us we should be asleep.
“For the same reason, shift-workers are at higher risk of fatigue-related crashes – six times higher.”
About 30 per cent of all fatal road crashes in WA are fatigue-related.
Fatigue crashes are twice as likely to be fatal than any other crash.
According to the alliance, about seven to eight hours of continuous, quality sleep per 24-hour period is needed to avoid fatigue behind the wheel.
Shift-work, medication and long-distance driving can also impact your fatigue levels behind the wheel.
Drive tired could lead to the risk of a micro-sleep – a sudden nap that can last for three to 30 seconds.
Falling asleep for just four seconds while travelling at 100 kilometres and hour, would leave your car travelling for 111 metres with no one in control.
According to the alliance, driving tired is like driving drunk.
“Driving after being awake for 17-19 hours is the same as driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.05 per cent. Drive after being awake for 24 hours and it’s like driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.1 per cent,” their statement said.
“If you’re thinking of driving this Easter, make sure you get plenty of rest before you head off. Let’s all aim for zero road trauma this Easter.”
Being tired behind the wheel slows reaction times and impairs concentration, coordination and decision-making.
For more information, head to www.industryroadsafety.com.au.