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Fatigue 
Driving tired? Wake up to yourself.
Did you know that when you drive on less that 5 hours of sleep, you are 4 times more likely to crash?
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Whilst not always deliberate behaviour, driving when tired is a contributing factor in between 15-20% of all road crashes in Tasmania. Even a momentary lapse in concentration can have devastating consequences.

New research from Monash University and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has found:

  • The risk of crashing after 5 hours sleep is 4.4 times higher than after having 8 hours of sleep
  • The risk at least doubles when less than 5 hours sleep has been had

It’s important to consider how much sleep you’ve had before you get behind the wheel, and always watch for the warning signs of fatigue.

The Facts

  • Driving when tired is a contributing factor in between 15-20% of all road crashes in Tasmania.
  • Young drivers are more likely to be involved in fatigue related crashes.
  • We are most tired between midnight and 6am, with tiredness peaking between 3am and 5am. There is also an afternoon dip in alertness.
  • Any driver can suffer tiredness, even on short trips.

The aim of the impaired driving assessment (track trial) was to determine the risk of a crash following varying levels of sleep loss under controlled conditions. Volunteers participated in a 2 hour drive (on a closed track) in a dual-controlled vehicle accompanied by a qualified and experienced driving instructor. These drives took place after 4 sleep conditions:

  • Well rested (8 hours sleep)
  • 5 hours sleep within 24 hours
  • 3 hours sleep with 24 hours
  • Total sleep deprivation (zero sleep)

The research found the risk of crashing after 5 hours of sleep was 4.4 times compared to 8 hours of sleep. Under 5 hours sleep the crash risk increased substantially.

Tips to Avoid Driving Fatigued

Before you drive, make sure you:

  • Get a good night’s sleep – ideally at least seven hours of good, undisturbed sleep.
  • Avoid driving at times you’re normally sleeping.
  • Understand the effects any medicine you’re taking might have on your driving.
  • Take regular breaks – at least every two hours.
  • Know and look for the warning signs of fatigue.
  • When possible, arrange to share the driving.
  • When you know you’re fatigued, avoid driving altogether. Take a taxi, public transport or rely on another driver.

If you are driving:

  • Seek somewhere to stop and rest when feeling any signs of sleepiness.
  • Pull over in a safe place (such as a rest area, tourist spots, or Driver Reviver site) and take a break or have a 15 minute powernap.
  • When possible, share the driving.

Watch for fatigue warning signs

  • Yawning, nodding off to sleep, head nodding, or jerking back up

  • Difficulty keeping to the centre of the road

  • Struggling to keep your eyes open, blurred vision, eyes losing focus

  • Zoning out, loss of concentration, or mind wandering

  • Feeling irritable, bored, angry, aggressive, or impatient

  • Not being able to recall the previous few minutes of driving (being on auto-pilot)

What is the source of the statistic?

The campaign was informed by two pieces of research from Monash University. Tasmanian fatigue statistics taken from Road Safety Advisory Council 2024 Annual Survey.

  1. The impaired driving assessment – Track Trial: The main findings from the research found the risk of crashing after 5 hours of sleep was 4.4 times compared to 8 hours of sleep. Under 5 hours sleep the crash risk increased substantially.
  2. Attitudes and Awareness Towards Drowsy Driving Survey: The main findings from the survey found;
  • Young males reported a greater risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
  • Good awareness among the population of the dangers of driving tried.
  • Minimum sleep requirements were the largest risk factor when driving tried.

Are there any proven benefits to stopping to powernap?

The benefits of napping are clear, but these power naps should be no longer than 20 minutes (as recommended by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), as otherwise your body may head into deep sleep.  A light sleep or power nap has been shown to increase alertness. Research has found that power naps may actually provide short-term benefits for cognitive functioning and boost energy levels.

What are some suggestions on how I can avoid driving if I am tired?

  • Avoid driving at times you would normally be sleeping
  • Plan your drive, drive when well rested
  • Have a powernap (15 -20 minutes)
  • When possible, arrange to share the driving
  • Take a taxi, public transport or rely on another driver

What am I supposed to do if I live in a rural area?

If you live in a rural area where taxi’s or public transport are not available, consider relying on another driver, or avoid driving altogether. Aim to get at least seven hours of good, undisturbed sleep before driving

Are there any support services for those who are concerned about their sleep quality?

The Sleep Foundation or speak to your GP

How can I drive in a safer way if I’m tired and driving is unavoidable?

Try to avoid driving when you would usually be sleeping. An especially dangerous time is between midnight and 6am, with tiredness peaking between 3am and 5am.

More detail on the impact of different sleep quantities

Risk estimates associated with sleep hours in the 24 hours before driving. Ref: (Tefft, 2016 & 2018).

Sleep in the last 24 hours Risk injury of crash involvement
<4 hours 11 times higher
4-5 hours 4.3 times higher
5-6 hours 1.9 times higher
6-7 hours 1.3 times higher