Driver Reviver

About Driver Reviver in WA

Driver Reviver in Western Australia began over the Christmas period in 1992 at Southern Cross and has grown to involve multiple locations throughout the state.

The locations generally operate during public and school holidays, and long weekends. Volunteers operate the Driver Revivers, donating their time to provide motorists with an opportunity to contribute to road safety by addressing driver fatigue. See the Calendar below for upcoming Driver Reviver operations.

Driver Reviver sites are an ideal place to take a break on a long journey. They also provide an opportunity for Local Governments, police, sponsors and other road safety partners to work together towards zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

Pictured above: Driver Reviver signage

Getting Involved

If you would like more information or would like to find out how to get involved by becoming a volunteer or site operator, download a copy of the WA Driver Reviver Program Kit from the Resources section of this website and contact your Regional Road Safety Advisor.

Driver Reviver Operators

WALGA’s RoadWise would like to remind all site managers to submit reports on operating periods. These reports are collated and used to obtain national and local sponsorship for the Program. If you need a report form, contact your Regional Road Safety Advisor.

The Facts About Fatigue

• There are many causes of fatigue, with driving for a long period of time seen as one of the key causes to fatigue-related road trauma.

• The reaction time of a driver who has been awake for 17 – 19 hours is similar to the reaction time of a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05.^[1]

• Not sleeping for 20 – 25 hours will reduce a driver’s reaction time to the equivalent reaction time of someone with a BAC of 0.10.

• Shift-workers are six times more likely to be involved in a fatigue-related road crash than other workers. Research shows that there are three times as many fatal accidents at work during the night shift (11:00pm – 7:00am) as during the day.^[2]

  ---

[1] Road Safety Commission, Fatigue, FATIGUE-FAQ.pdf (www.wa.gov.au), 30 June 2022.

[2] Road Safety Commission, Safer Shiftworkers. Safer Roads, https://rsc.wa.gov.au/Campaigns/Fatigue/ors-campaign-fatigue-publication-shiftworkers.aspx, May 2016.

Signs of Fatigue

• you begin to blink
• you start squinting,
• you can’t stop yawning,
• you have trouble keeping your head up,
• your eyes close for a moment or go out of focus,
• you have wandering, disconnected thoughts,
• you find that you can’t remember driving the last few kilometres,
• you miss a gear,
• you miss a road sign or your exit,
• you find you have slowed unintentionally,
• you brake too late,
• you drift over the centre line or on to the side of the road, or
• you see ‘mirages’ ahead. 

Tips for Avoiding Fatigue

• It is recommended that we get an average of seven to eight hours continuous sleep.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before going to sleep.
• Plan your trip to ensure maximum attention to your driving. Try to schedule your trip so driving takes place during daylight.
• It is best to start your journey early and not drive late into the night.
• Avoid long hours of driving, particularly at night and after working all day.
• If possible share the driving; swap drivers every two hours, or every 200km, or if you feel tired.
• If you are making a long journey, plan to stop overnight and get a full night’s rest.
• When travelling a long distance, take regular breaks - get out of the car, walk around to stimulate blood circulation, have a cup of coffee or tea, drink plenty of fresh water and have something to eat. This is where the Driver Reviver Program can assist.
• If you feel tired, take a ‘power nap’. You will feel the maximum benefit from 15-20 minutes of sleep.
• Make sure the interior of your vehicle is well ventilated and not too warm. An overheated vehicle can make you drowsy.
• Listen to music, talkback radio or talking books - anything to stimulate your mind.
• Stop and eat at regular meal times to ensure you maintain your energy levels.