Drivers urged to take a break on Australia Day

PR Log (Press Release) – Feb 10, 2008 – With many Australian families hitting the road this Australia Day long weekend, leading insurer AAMI is urging drivers to break their drive, with research1 showing one in four (26 per cent) Australian motorists have momentarily fallen asleep while behind the wheel.

AAMI Public Affairs Manager Geoff Hughes said drivers were putting themselves and other road users at risk by not taking a break during a long drive. “AAMI’s research shows almost one-third (31 per cent) of drivers will not stop for a break while driving, despite being fatigued. Driving long distances without sufficient breaks is a risky practice for drivers to engage in, yet half of all Australian drivers (52 per cent) say they will drive for three hours or more without a break,” Mr Hughes said.

AAMI’s research also showed that of those people who have had an accident, one in eight (13 per cent) said fatigue had been a contributing factor. “This is an alarming statistic, given that fatigue-related crashes tend to be more severe than others, due to drivers’ delayed reaction times and failure to take action to avoid an accident,” he said.
He recommended drivers plan ahead for a road trip by getting a good night’s sleep before they set out, not driving at times when they would normally be asleep and sharing the driving, if possible.

“Importantly, allow plenty of time and plan rest breaks along the way. People can break their drive at one of the many Driver Reviver sites located at roadside rest areas across the country over peak holiday periods,” he said. “Driver Reviver sites are designed to help protect drivers from the deadly hazards of fatigue, allowing them and their passengers to take a break and stretch their legs in a safe environment and enjoy free tea and coffee.”

“On a positive note, AAMI research shows six in 10 Australian drivers (62 per cent) have used a Driver Reviver site in the past, and we hope that during the upcoming holiday period, they continue to do so in greater numbers.”

Tips for getting home safely

1. Take a break out of the vehicle at least every 90 minutes – use the Driver Reviver sites that operate along many tourist routes at peak times and the rest areas situated along many major routes.
2. Allow extra travel time and don’t speed.
3. Never drink alcohol – even small quantities – before or during long trips.
4. Minimise in-car distractions such as mobile phones – you don’t have to answer a call or message immediately, or if you must, pull over somewhere safe.
5. Reacting to someone else’s aggression will only make the situation worse – being human means that we all make mistakes. Forgive yourself and forgive others.

*The 2007 Crash Index was conducted for AAMI by Sweeney Research and is an independent telephone and internet survey of 2380 Australian drivers in all States and Territories (except WA as AAMI does not operate there).

To arrange a media interview, contact:

Geoff Hughes, AAMI Public Affairs Manager ph 03 8520 1469 or 0413 483 591; or
Brian O’Neil, Public Relations Exchange, ph 03 9607 4500 or 0411 055 284