RAC is reminding WA drivers to make arriving safely their top priority this festive season, as thousands hit the roads for the school holidays.
It comes as a new RAC survey revealed 28 per cent of WA motorists think it’s acceptable to drive when you know you’re too tired - compared with just 16 per cent in 2022, and 20 per cent in 2021.
RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby said fatigue is one of the biggest factors in road trauma, along with speeding and distracted driving.
“Fatigue is a silent killer. It slows down your reaction time and reduces your alertness,” Mr Golsby said.
“The start of school holidays can be stressful and exhausting, especially after a long year. But when you combine fatigue and driving, the results can be catastrophic.”
With many people planning to travel long distances over the Christmas and New Year period, Mr Golsby said the results of one bad decision behind the wheel can last a lifetime.
“Thinking you can ‘push through’ your fatigue puts you and your passengers at risk, because driving tired can be just as dangerous as drink-driving,” My Golsby said.
“Nothing is more important than making sure you and your family arrive safely.”
Tragically, 145 lives have already been lost on WA’s roads this year, including 71 in Perth’s metro area and 74 in our regions.
“As always, our regions will be bumper-to-bumper with tourists – and many may be unfamiliar with the areas they are travelling through,” Mr Golsby said.
“If you’re travelling long distances, make sure you’re alert and well-prepared for the journey.”
“Know your rest stops, get familiar with the route before you leave and most importantly – drive to survive.”
RAC’s top tips to stay safe on the road:
- Slow down and reduce your speed for the conditions
- Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front
- Take breaks every two hours and if you feel tired, pull over somewhere safe straight away or swap drivers
- Limit your driving to fewer than eight hours a day and try to avoid driving at night
- Don’t overtake unless it’s safe to do so
- Keep your headlights on
- Stay alert for wildlife
ENDS
Media contact: Laura Gardiner, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
