With the beginning of National Driver Fatigue Week last Friday, Orange Council is one of many organisations throwing its support behind the initiative.

It will run until Thursday, February 27, reminding heavy vehicle drivers and motorists that fatigue is one of the most dangerous hazards on the road. Driver fatigue is one of the top three causes of crashes on our roads.

Orange Mayor Tony Mileto says that all drivers need to stay aware of the warning signs, including yawning, poor concentration, tired eyes and restlessness.

“Fatigue can be just as dangerous as drink or drug driving or speeding, and affects your concentration and judgement, and slows your reaction time,” he says.

“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.”

This will be the fourth year of National Driver Fatigue Week, with more support than ever from across the heavy vehicle industry.

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,” she says.

“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.”

Governments across Australia are also throwing their support behind the initiative.

“Driving on country roads often involves driving for long distances, at higher speeds and sharing the road with heavy vehicles so the fatigue risk is much greater,” says NSW roads minister Jenny Aitchison.

“We need all road users to be aware of the dangers of fatigue and remember if you feel tired while driving or experience any of the early warning signs such as yawning, restlessness or sore eyes, pull over in a safe place, stretch your legs and have a power nap at one of the many rest areas we have available in NSW.

“Make sure you have a good night’s sleep before getting behind the wheel and avoid driving at times when your body would naturally sleep, like late at night or early morning.”