This National Driver Fatigue Week, drivers are being reminded that fatigue is one of the leading causes of death on our roads.
National Driver Fatigue Week will be held from February 21 to 27.
Driver fatigue is one of the top three causes of crashes on Australian roads.
A 15- to 20-minute power nap could help drivers overcome fatigue.
National Driver Fatigue Week will be held from February 21 to 27, to remind motorists, especially heavy vehicle drivers, not to ignore the warning signs of driver fatigue such as yawning, poor concentration, tired eyes and restlessness.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said driver fatigue was one of the top three causes of crashes on Australian roads and the most common cause of fatal crashes in the heavy vehicle industry.
"Fatigue can be just as dangerous as drink or drug driving or speeding, and affects your concentration and judgement, and slows your reaction time," Cr Mileto said.
"Make sure you arrive at your destination safely. Sleep is the only way to overcome tiredness. If you're struggling to keep your eyes open while driving, pull over and have a 'power nap'."
Orange and Cabonne Road Safety Officer Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan said scientific research and evidentiary support identify a 15- to 20-minute power nap could help drivers overcome fatigue.
"A power nap is a short sleep that terminates before deep sleep and is intended to quickly revitalise an individual's concentration and situation awareness," Ms Hamilton-Vaughan said.
"Prevention is always better option than managing the fallout. If a driver is struggling to keep their eyes open, they are in imminent danger of falling into a microsleep. At that time, a 15- to 20-minute power nap is the solution."
Ms Hamilton-Vaughan said this was the fourth year of the National Driver Fatigue Week campaign and credited the 'Power Nap' message for a reduction in fatal heavy truck crashes heavy trucks of 9.5 per cent per year over the past three years.
She urged motorists to plan ahead to avoid driver fatigue by getting a good night's sleep before starting their journey, taking regular brakes and avoiding driving when they would normally be asleep.
