Young WA drivers burning the candle at both ends
21/07/2010
New SGIO research reveals over half of young people (59 per cent) in WA admit to driving tired in the morning because they’re not getting enough sleep.*
The survey of 500 WA drivers found that around one in four (28 per cent) WA drivers under the age of 29 are only getting around six hours of sleep per night*.
SGIO spokesperson Rob Cory said driving while sleep deprived on a regular basis increases the risk of having a ‘microsleep’ and losing control of your vehicle.
“Our research shows that too many of us are driving while tired which means we’re putting ourselves and others at a higher risk of being involved in an accident,” he said.
“Fatigue could be responsible for 30 per cent of deaths on our roads** so it’s so important that as drivers we feel awake and alert before getting behind the wheel.”
The survey revealed that over 80 per cent of young people stay up later than 10pm most nights with around half watching TV, one in three surfing the net and one in ten social networking.
“We understand a lot of us lead busy lifestyles and want to squeeze in our favourite TV shows, movies or time surfing the net but we all need to get enough sleep so we’re alert on the roads the next morning,” Mr Cory said.
“A lack of sleep can build up over a number of days and result in you becoming fatigued while you’re behind the wheel, putting yourself and others at risk of being involved in an accident.”
“We simply want to urge all WA drivers to make sure they’re well rested before they get behind the wheel.”
* Based on Pure Profile Research, July 2010.
** www.ors.wa.gov.au