A short break could save your life this Easter

17 April 2019

The NRMA is reminding motorists of the importance of taking regular breaks when driving long distances over the Easter break.

The reminder comes in the same week that NRMA Insurance launched its new safe driving initiative to help drivers covering long distances, including 100 billboards set up on major arterial roads and near Driver Reviver stations, plus a chance to play Pat Cash in table tennis at select sites.

According to research from NRMA Insurance, 80 per cent of people admitted to driving beyond the recommended two hours before taking a break, and four in five admitted to driving on autopilot.

Fatigue is one of the big three killers on NSW roads, with fatigue related crashes twice as likely to be fatal, as drivers who are asleep can't brake. From 2013 to 2017, more people in NSW died in fatigue-related crashes than drink driving crashes.

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said driving after being awake for 17 hours was equivalent to a blood alcohol level of 0.05, so it was crucial that drivers rested before driving these holidays.

“Fatigue is a major killer on our roads, so it’s really important drivers don’t become complacent just because they’re a confident driver or know the roads,” Mr Khoury said.

“People who drive for a living, young drivers and new parents struggling with a lack of sleep are at particular risk. However, Australians are notoriously bad sleepers with 40 per cent of adults suffering from inadequate sleep so the issue is relevant to the whole community, especially over holiday periods.

“The NRMA also wants to debunk the myth that fatigue only kicks in during long journeys – we know that tiredness can impact on a driver’s ability even on short journeys like the late night drive home from a friend’s place.”

The NRMA is encouraging those covering long distances, or leaving late to consider breaking up the trip with dinner or even an overnight stay halfway along the journey.

For the rest of April, NRMA Parks and Resorts has waived their minimum stays so people looking for a place to rest can pull into any NRMA park for a good night’s sleep, and be fresh for their onward journey.