FATIGUE – the silent killer on our roads This road safety toolbox talk on fatigue has been put together by the Industry Road Safety Alliance South West using a range of relevant sources. Presenters have three options: If you have ample time and video and internet capability, present all slides If you have video and internet capability but limited time, use Slide 1, 2, 3, 9 (play all three videos), 10 and 11 only If you have no video and internet capability, use all Slides except Slide 9 Toolbox Talk March-April 2017

FATIGUE – THE SILENT KILLER ON OUR ROADS 20%-30% of all fatal traffic accidents are related to driver fatigue 16 people were killed in fatigue-related crashes in WA in 2015 21 people were critically injured in fatigue-related crashes in WA in 2015 Fatigue crashes are twice as likely to be fatal than any other crash – you can’t brake when you’re asleep Fatigue-related crashes increase during holiday periods such as Easter Ask attendee to share any personal experiences/stories they have of fatigue on our roads

ARE YOU AT RISK OF DRIVING TIRED? I’m a careful driver so I can drive safely when I’m a bit sleepy I can tell when I’m going to fall asleep Younger people need less sleep Older people need less sleep Caffeine replaces the need for sleep FALSE FALSE FALSE Ask your attendees if they think they’re at risk from fatigue on our roads. Discuss each of the questions posed on the slide and click through the answer for each. Click for final message, which is: Driving is a complex task that requires sustained concentration No responsible road users can afford to be fatigued FALSE FALSE Driving is a complex task that requires sustained concentration No responsible road users can afford to be fatigued

FATIGUE CAUSES 7-8 hour continuous, quality sleep per 24-hour period is needed - get less and you build up a sleep debt Shift-work, medication and long-distance driving can impact your fatigue levels behind the wheel Most common period for fatigue-related crashes is 1am-6am when our body clock tells us we should be asleep Shift-workers are six times more likely to be involved in a fatigue-related road crash As attendee to comment on what makes fatigued

DANGERS POSED BY FATIGUE BEHIND THE WHEEL Micro-sleep Sudden naps that can last 3-30 seconds If you fall asleep for 4 seconds while travelling at 100kmh, your car will travel for 111m with no one in control Sleep debt is like being drunk at the wheel Driving after being awake for 17-19 hours = 0.05% blood-alcohol level Driving after being awake for 24 hours = 0.1% blood-alcohol level   Impaired driving skills Being tired behind the wheel slows reaction times and impairs concentration, coordination and decision-making When a split second can mean the difference between life and death, each one counts As attendees if share any experiences they have had of these impacts of fatigue behind the wheel

Discuss the table with attendees

AVOID BEING TIRED BEHIND THE WHEEL Get a proper nights’ sleep If you’re tired, delay your journey or make alternative travel plans Take a break every two hours you’re behind the wheel If you become drowsy behind the wheel, pull over where it’s safe and take a power nap of at least 20 minutes Speak up and get help – tell your supervisor or passengers Other ideas? Ask attendees what they do to ensure they’re not fatigued behind the wheel

VIDEO PRESENTATIONS The Industry Road Safety Alliance South West had put together a 2.49-minute animation on the causes and risks of fatigue on our roads: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GvYRPV6CAA The Road Safety Commission has put together a 30-second video that demonstrates the very real impact of fatigue on our roads: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB8-bEXZt3w Ergon Energy has put together a powerful 8.24-minute video telling the story of the family Trevor Deakin, a mine shift worker, who was killed in a crash when driving home tired from work to start the Easter break with his family in 2004. If timing is tight, the video can be watched from 0.00-4.05 minutes or 7.19-8.24 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RAgHs9576o Give a brief introduction before sharing the attached videos, which are best show in this order If short on time, the final video, from Ergon Energy, is most relevant

Ask attendees for their take aways from the presentation