Today marks the beginning of National Driver Fatigue Week, an initiative designed to help raise awareness of the dangers of driving while tired – and promote the benefits of taking a power nap when needed.
In 2025, National Driver Fatigue Week runs from Friday February 21 until Thursday February 27.
According to the Australasian College of Road Safety, “Fatigue is a silent killer on our roads, contributing to an estimated 20-30 per cent of fatal crashes in Australia.
“One of the simplest and most effective ways to combat fatigue is to take a Power Nap. A short 10-20 minute nap can significantly improve alertness and reaction times, helping you stay safe behind the wheel,” they said.
The New South Wales government revealed there was a 47 per cent rise in people losing their lives in fatigue related crashes last year – with 78 people killed in fatigue-related crashes in 2024 compared to 53 people in 2023.
Alongside speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue is one of the top killers on NSW roads and the vast majority of crashes involving fatigue are happening on regional roads, with 69 of the 78 deaths occurring in regional communities in 2024.
Heavy vehicles make up only 2 per cent of NSW motor vehicle registrations, however heavy vehicle drivers accounted for around 26 per cent of fatigue related deaths on the state’s roads last year.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said: “Driving on country roads often involves driving for long distances, at higher speeds and sharing the road with heavy vehicles so the fatigue risk is much greater.
“We need all road users to be aware of the dangers of fatigue and remember if you feel tired while driving or experience any of the early warning signs such as yawning, restlessness or sore eyes, pull over in a safe place, stretch your legs and have a power nap at one of the many rest areas we have available in NSW.
“Make sure you have a good night’s sleep before getting behind the wheel and avoid driving at times when your body would naturally sleep, like late at night or early morning.”
Orange City Council Mayor Tony Mileto added that driver fatigue was one of the top three causes of crashes on Australian roads and the most common cause of fatal crashes in the heavy vehicle industry.
“Fatigue can be just as dangerous as drink or drug driving or speeding, and affects your concentration and judgement, and slows your reaction time,” Mileto said.
“Make sure you arrive at your destination safely. Sleep is the only way to overcome tiredness. If you’re struggling to keep your eyes open while driving, pull over and have a ‘power nap’.”
Orange and Cabonne Road Safety Officer Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan said scientific research and evidentiary support identify a 15- to 20-minute power nap could help drivers overcome fatigue.
Hamilton-Vaughan said this was the fourth year of the National Driver Fatigue Week campaign and credited the ‘Power Nap’ message for a reduction in fatal heavy truck crashes heavy trucks of 9.5 per cent per year over the past three years.
She urged motorists to plan ahead to avoid driver fatigue by getting a good night’s sleep before starting their journey, taking regular brakes and avoiding driving when they would normally be asleep.
South Australia Police also shared a safety reminder for National Driver Fatigue Week on social media this morning: “The aim of National Driver Fatigue Week is to promote driver fatigue intervention strategies to road users and help prevent one in three fatalities on our roads.
“When preparing for a long drive, remember to get a good quality sleep the night before and plan to take a 15-minute rest stop at least every two hours.”
For more information and tips on how to combat fatigue, visit the Power Nap website.