Avoid drowsy dangers

By Kath Gannaway
EASTER is a great time for young people to get out on the road with friends, taking advantage of the last of the warmer weather and just chilling out for a few days.
But it’s not without its risks according to the RACV. Tiredness is a big one.
An Easter getaway timetable might go something like this – Wednesday night up late packing (or partying). Thursday morning, 6.30am out of bed, off to work, busy day, no lunch, rushing, have to be out by 5pm. Traffic already horrendous, frustration, outbound’s a carpark, stop for petrol, pick up friends, running late, finally, just after 7pm, heading up the highway for four, fantastic days.
Feeling a bit tired! Turn the radio up! Keep the chatter going!
An RACV survey of young people between 18 and 25 years old revealed they are prime candidates for tragedy on the roads as a result of driving when they are tired.
One quarter of all road deaths are associated with driving while tired and sleep deprivation among young drivers placed them at particular risk.
RACV research showed nearly half of 400 people in this age group who were surveyed admitted to driving while they were tired in the week before the survey. Almost a third said they had nearly crashed as a result of driving tired at some time.
Anne Harris, RACV chief behavioural scientist, said the study indicated young drivers thought sacrificing sleep to maintain life in the fast lane was manageable.
“Driving while tired appears to be a consequence of lifestyle-related factors that override any concerns about the potential risks of doing so,” Ms Harris said.
“They said they had busy lifestyles and valued the flexibility driving offered but they often compensated for extra demands on their time by sacrificing sleep.
“About half said they used music or the radio to stay awake at the wheel, which we know doesn’t work,” she said. “Sleep is the only cure for tiredness.”
How to beat tiredness:
• Sleep in after a late night.
• Catch a taxi or get a lift instead of driving if tired.
• Top up with a 15 to 30 minute nap before heading out.
• Switch off mobile phones before sleeping so as not to be disturbed by calls or SMS messages.
• Avoid driving during normal sleep times.
• Plan the Easter getaway to start on the Friday morning after a good night’s sleep.
• Share the driving.