West Coast Eagles captain joins in launch of Road Safety Council campaign

24/6/99
Transport Minister Murray Criddle was joined by West Coast Eagles captain Guy McKenna at Perth Train Station this morning to launch the Road Safety Council's latest public awareness campaign, which targets the problem of fatigue on Western Australia's roads.
Thousands of peak-hour commuters got their chance to see a pyjama-clad Guy McKenna catch a few winks as he bedded down at the railway station prior to the Eagles' upcoming clash with Geelong.
"You may think that as the captain of the leading Australian Rules football team in the country that Guy could find somewhere smarter to take a nap," Mr Criddle said.
"But I can assure you that a railway station is a far better place to fall asleep than behind the wheel of a vehicle when you're driving."
Mr Criddle said that while it was difficult to measure the effects of fatigue on road crash statistics, there was evidence that it was a factor in as many as a third of serious road crashes in WA.
And as many as one in five men and almost one in 10 women had admitted to falling asleep at the wheel during their driving lives.
"Motorists need to remember that yawning is a warning and we should all take heed of the signs when we feel tired by stopping and taking a break," Mr Criddle said.
"Have a short walk, a coffee or a quick nap before continuing and if you can, then swap drivers or even stop over for a proper rest."
Mr Criddle acknowledged the Road Safety Council for its commitment to reducing the road toll.
"The Road Safety Council is targeting the four main causes of road fatalities: speed, alcohol, not wearing seat belts and now fatigue," he said.
Mr Criddle also thanked the Insurance Commission of WA for their ongoing commitment to road safety.
"Once again they have got behind this launch and shown just how dedicated they are to reducing the road toll," he said.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham on 9321 7333