Sad sight on remote Aussie road highlights dangerous problem ahead of Christmas season
As Aussies gear up for their long-distance road trips over summer, authorities have a stark warning for anyone about to take to the open road.
As countless Australians and overseas travellers prepare for their road trips ahead of the Christmas break, authorities are cautioning drivers on the importance of remaining alert on long-distance, "monotonous" journeys in the bush.
The message comes as shocking footage was shared this week of a horrific crash along a barren outback highway, showing a badly smashed-up Toyota 4WD flipped on its side with belongings strewn across the side of the road. In the social media video, travel blogger Grant Barnes said the scene served as a timely reminder of how quickly "the tiredness can get you".
"This is exactly what you have to watch out for," Barnes said online. "You can see how much money they put into this build," noting the ill-fated driver had the same energy convertor for camping trips.
"Sad," he added. "Someone's life here just strewn across the road."
The footage was uploaded to social media on Tuesday and appears to be a remote road in Western Australia. Barnes said the spot was some five hours from the nearest town or petrol station, with the terrain all extremely similar in appearance — adding to the likelihood of experiencing fatigue or so-called highway hypnosis.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Dr Ingrid Johnston, the CEO of the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) said holiday travel often means longer journeys, unfamiliar roads, and busier traffic conditions, "which can increase the risk of crashes".
"Tragically, the holiday season is associated with a spike in road fatalities and serious injuries. Evidence shows that key factors such as speed, fatigue, alcohol and drug use, distraction, and failure to wear seatbelts remain leading contributors to road trauma in Australia," Johnston told Yahoo.
She said distracted driving was a growing problem that compounds the danger of fatigue on our roads.
"Evidence suggests that driver distraction has increased in recent years on Australian roads. Distraction is a growing road safety concern, with significant evidence indicating it contributes to a substantial proportion of road crashes."
Distraction, fatigue driving forces behind serious crashes
Johnston said research highlights the fact that increased use of mobile phones and in-vehicle technologies is a "major factor driving the rise in driver distraction."
According to the National Road Safety Strategy, distraction is a contributing factor in approximately 15 per cent of all serious crashes in Australia. "Mobile phone use alone has been shown to increase the likelihood of a crash by up to four times," she said.
In addition to mobile devices, advancements in vehicle infotainment systems, navigation tools, and other in-car technologies can also divide attention. "While these features are designed to improve convenience, they often result in increased cognitive load, visual inattention, and manual distractions, particularly when poorly integrated or used improperly," she said.
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Trick to use when driving on monotonous rural roads
Associate Professor Paul Roberts, deputy director at the Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research echoed much of Johnston's sentiment. He in particular warned over monotonous regional roads and said sometimes it helps to engage in safe "cognitive tasks" to help in remaining alert.
"Such roads can precipitate passive fatigue and lead to crashes," he told Yahoo.
"I always advise [long-distance driving] should include engagement in a cognitive task that is not too demanding to promote optimal alertness. Trivia games are perfect and I pioneered an on-road version that is used in Queensland."
How to stay safe according to the ACRS
Plan Rest Breaks: Schedule breaks at least every two hours to rest, stretch, and refresh.
Avoid Driving When Tired: Be mindful of times when the body is naturally more tired, such as late at night or early in the morning, aligning travel plans with natural sleep cycles.
Get Adequate Sleep: Ensure at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep before a trip to avoid starting the journey fatigued.
Share Driving Duties: If possible, share the driving with others to maintain alertness and reduce the strain on one person.
Recognise Warning Signs of Fatigue: These include yawning, difficulty concentrating, wandering thoughts, and drifting in the lane. Drivers should pull over immediately to rest if they notice these signs.
Use Safe Alternatives: Avoid relying on caffeine, music, or air-conditioning as substitutes for proper rest. These may temporarily delay fatigue but will not prevent it.
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