QUEENSLAND’S peak motoring body took over the Gladfield Driver Reviver site near Warwick on Monday in a bid to reduce fatigue-related crashes these school holidays.
RACQ warned motorists to remain alert behind the wheel as they entered a high-risk period on Queensland roads.
RACQ executive manager Safety and Technical Policy Steve Spalding said last year fatigue contributed to about 15 per cent of the road toll.
“Fatigue is one of the fatal five and called the silent killer for a reason,” Mr Spalding said.
“Tiredness can drastically affect your ability to drive safely by reducing your attention level, slowing your reaction time and impairing your judgement.
“Fatigue can quickly creep up on a driver with many not realising how tired they are until it’s too late.”
Mr Spalding said motorists needed to take the risks of fatigue seriously, and realise it was their responsibility to drive safely.
“It’s essential drivers take rest breaks at least every two hours and importantly make sure they start the drive fully refreshed,” he said.
“If you’ve had a long day at work it’s better to delay the trip until the next morning and avoid driving at times when you normally sleep.
“On longer journeys share the driving if possible.”
For more information, view the RACQ TV episode on fatigue: goo.gl/tCc3Sw.
