Fed: NRMA launches gadget to fight driver fatigue

AAP General News (Australia)
04-09-2001
Fed: NRMA launches gadget to fight driver fatigue

CANBERRA, April 9 AAP - A free gadget for drivers to calculate their fatigue levels
will be the NRMA motoring body's main tool in fighting the road toll this Easter.

NRMA chief executive Rob Carter said fatigue was the third biggest killer on the roads
after alcohol and speed, playing a part in 20 per cent of fatal and serious injury crashes.

"The Dead Tired Timer will help motorists gauge their fatigue risk and take the necessary
action to keep themselves and other road users safe over the Easter long weekend," he
said.

"By adjusting a series of dials on the Dead Tired Timer motorists will be able to determine
their level of fatigue risk and whether they should continue driving or take an immediate
break.

"Motorists should not underestimate just how dangerous it is to drive while fatigued.

"As well as using the timer, motorists should learn to recognise their bodies' early
warning signs of fatigue."

These included minor aches and pains, light boredom or fidgeting, tension, nervousness,
yawning, light headaches, tired eyes, drowsiness, nodding off, missing signs or traffic
signals and having difficulty concentrating.

Mr Carter said motorists should rest this week ahead of driving over the long weekend.

They should avoid driving long distances straight after work, instead driving a shorter
distance and stopping somewhere overnight.

Getting up early to beat the traffic meant getting less sleep than normal.

"Once again, you run the risk of being tired before you start and your internal body
clock will be telling your body that you should be asleep," he said.

Motorists should take regular breaks and drive no more than eight hours a day.

"Use the Dead Tired Timer to help you determine whether you should rest but don't be
fooled into thinking a five-minute petrol break is sufficient to refresh you," Mr Carter
said.

"You should stop for at least 15 minutes every two hours and get out of the car and
stretch your legs."

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KEYWORD: TOLL GADGET

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