Fatigue remains a major road safety risk
Fatigue is the focus of a spooky new campaign from the Road Safety Commission, as driving tired continues to have a significant impact on Western Australians and their families.
Fatigue contributes to more deaths and serious injuries on our roads than almost any other factor, second only to speeding.
Over a five-year period, more than 870 people were involved in serious crashes on WA roads where fatigue was a contributing factor, 181 of those resulted in a fatality.
Fatigue can affect any driver
Unwanted Passenger brings fatigue to life as a sinister presence lurking in the back seat, reminding drivers how quickly tiredness can take hold and impair driving performance.
Fatigue-related road deaths and serious injuries are not restricted to rural and regional roads, nor are they restricted to people driving long distances.
Recognising the warning signs
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said fatigue can be difficult to recognise because it often develops gradually.
"Fatigue is one of the most significant risks on our roads because it affects concentration, reaction time and decision-making.
"Many people think they can push through tiredness, but the reality is that fatigue can affect your driving long before you realise it.
"This campaign is about helping Western Australians recognise the signs of fatigue and empowering them to make safer choices before getting behind the wheel or continuing their journey."
A timely reminder during a high-risk period
Launched in October, Unwanted Passenger coincides with school holiday travel and the start of the harvest season, when long days, demanding schedules and extended time behind the wheel can increase the risk of fatigue.
The campaign encourages drivers to plan ahead, prioritise rest, share driving responsibilities where possible, and stop for a break as soon as they begin to feel tired. The message is simple: if you're tired, don't drive.
The campaign will initially roll out across regional Western Australia, appearing on television, radio, print, streaming and on-demand services, social media, cinemas, buses, billboards and digital advertising at roadhouses across the State.
Unwanted Passenger is funded through the Road Trauma Trust Account, which allocates 100 per cent of safety camera fine revenue to road safety projects, programs and initiatives that help reduce deaths and serious injuries on Western Australian roads.
You can view the fatigue campaign and learn more by visiting the Unwanted Passenger webpage.
