Fatigue continues to be one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in NSW, with the majority of those incidents occurring on regional roads. As National Driver Fatigue Week gets underway, authorities are renewing calls for motorists to recognise the early signs of tiredness before tragedy strikes.
Road safety experts say fatigue is not something drivers can push through, and warn that decades of advice to simply “have a coffee” and “take regular breaks” do not fully address the problem. Research now shows the only effective remedy for fatigue is sleep itself.
This year’s campaign promotes the “Power Nap” message, encouraging motorists to pull over and take a short, planned 15‑to‑20‑minute nap as soon as fatigue sets in. Supporters say the approach offers drivers a practical, immediate way to reset before continuing their journey safely.
With regional areas such as the Hunter and Upper Hunter carrying a disproportionate share of fatigue‑related crashes, authorities hope the message will cut through to local motorists, freight operators and long‑distance travellers.
