Taking a break
Driving when tired is a factor in many crashes. When travelling long distances, you must be alert at all times.
Watch for signs of fatigue:
- drowsiness
- aches and pains
- tired eyes
- loss of concentration.
As soon as you feel tired, stop and rest. When you plan your trip, include rest breaks of at least 15 minutes every two hours.
The fatigue risk times are 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, and 10.00 pm to 6.00 am.
Before your trip
- Get a good night's sleep.
- Plan ahead; where and when to stop.
- Check medications with your doctor. Do they make you drowsy?
On your trip
- Don't drive more than 10 hours a day.
- Avoid alcohol if you're driving.
- Share the driving.
- Take regular breaks from the wheel; at least 15 minutes every two hours.
- Stop in towns, rest areas, tourist spots and Driver Reviver sites.
- As soon as you feel tired, stop and rest.
- It's a myth that drinking coffee and turning up the radio will prevent fatigue. The only things that help are a good night's sleep and plenty of breaks from the wheel.
Rest areas
- Rest areas are there for you to stop and rest, making your trip safer and more enjoyable.
- Rest areas are not long-term camping sites. However motorists are able to take extended rest breaks at some sites.
- Rules on the length of stay at rest areas vary between controlling authorities. You can stay up to 20 hours, including overnight, at some Main Roads' rest areas.
Heavy vehicle rest areas
Heavy vehicle rest areas are only for heavy vehicles. This does not include caravans; they are for truck drivers only.
Last updated: 10 June 2009
