Fatigue-related crashes are almost three times as likely to be fatal than other road accidents and regional areas are where drivers are most at risk, accounting for more than 88% of fatigue-related road deaths last year.

Being awake for 17 hours has a similar effect on driving performance as a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05.

After a 47 per cent rise in lives lost on the state's roads in 2024, National Fatigue Week began on Friday February 21 with a campaign to remind drivers to rest and stay off the road if tired.

To help raise awareness of the dangers of driving fatigued, the NSW Government is promoting fatigue safety and the benefits of taking a power nap.

With 78 people dying in fatigue-related crashes on NSW roads in 2024 compared to 53 people in 2023, fatigue is one of the top killers, along with speeding, drink and drug induced driving.

Unfortunately for rural road users, most crashes involving fatigue are occurring on regional roads, with 69 of the 78 deaths occurring in regional communities in 2024.

Heavy vehicle drivers accounted for around 26 per cent of fatigue related deaths, despite only making up a small percentage of travellers on the road.

With drivers making long journeys in the bush, navigating wildlife, dirt roads, a lack of sleep combined with these factors can be fatal.

Tony Wood of Nyngan Police said drivers need to stop and think before getting behind the wheel while they are tired.

“Fatigue is a major killer on western roads. All too often we are seeing stories of car crashes that have occurred in the early hours of the morning, and even if it is not the early hours people are travelling long distances to get out here,” he said.

“Police are always targeting road safety in order to keep people alive.”

Sergeant Wood Nyngan Police reminding drivers to have a rest on the roads - image courtesy ABC

"Things to remember for drivers in rural areas are to monitor yourself, be aware of the symptoms in terms of fatigue and take regular breaks and drive to the conditions.

“Swap drivers, when possible, plan your trip and don’t drive while tired so as to give not only yourself but all others on the road the best chance of arriving to your destination alive,” Sergeant Wood added.

“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,” said Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison.

“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.

A map of roadside rest areas for both light and heavy vehicles can be found here.

“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.”

For more information and tips on how to combat fatigue, visit the Power Nap website.