Campaign against driver fatigue

24 September 2003: Next Sunday, the National Safety Council, Lyons Tea and Statoil are teaming up to highlight the issue of driver fatigue by launching a pilot road safety campaign entitled 'Driver Reviver'.

The campaign, which targets drivers travelling to the All Ireland GAA Football Finals, is asking drivers making the long journey to and from Croke Park to take regular breaks from the wheel.

'Driver Reviver' stops are a safe place where drivers can pull in for a rest break and - by presenting their car keys - receive a free cup of Lyons Tea. 'Driver Reviver' stops will operate in selected Statoil service stations on the N1, N2 and N3 between 10am and 7pm.

Research undertaken in the UK, Australia and the US shows fatigue to be comparable to alcohol in its impact on road safety and falling asleep at the wheel is said to be preceded by extreme sleepiness that drivers are aware of but often ignore. Many drivers experience Micro-Sleeps, an involuntary reaction by the brain to lack of sleep. The eyes may be open, but the brain is not processing information. Micro-Sleeps can last up to 10 seconds. When they occur, no one is driving the vehicle.

Driver Fatigue - Warning Signs
* Not remembering the last few kilometres travelled
* Reaction times slowing down - e.g. missing signs
* Experiencing wandering or disconnected thoughts
* Having difficulty focusing on keeping eyes open
* Having trouble keeping head up
* Yawning repeatedly
* Bad lane discipline


Driver Fatigue - Prevention Advice
* Plan your journey in advance and plan for stops
* Take a break for at least 15 minutes every 2 hours or 100 kilometres
* Eat sensibly - not too little not too much
* Make sure the vehicle is well ventilated with fresh air
* Share the driving
* Use rest areas, tourist spots and 'Driver Reviver' stops whenever and wherever possible
* Never ever drink and drive
* Check medications with your doctor in case they cause drowsiness

If no 'Driver Reviver' stops are operating when you travel make sure to stop somewhere safe and take a rest.

It is hoped to extend the campaign nationwide in 2004 to include more 'Driver Reviver' stops at service stations on a significant number of national routes targeting key weekends.

©2003 irishcar.com