Helping to combat driver fatigue
Visitors to our country are rarely prepared for the vast distances and isolated stretches of road between towns that characterise travel in Australia. Our staff however, are all too familiar with vast outback skies and straight, mind-numbing roads which is why we have a Fatigue Management policy to ensure our drivers remain safe.
Driver fatigue is a very real problem resulting in about 20% of all fatalities and 30% of severe single-vehicle accidents. In a sense, the 450-plus rest areas in the state is the Queensland Government’s attempt at establishing a Fatigue Management system for visitors and residents. The rest areas provide a place where people can safely pull over, take a break and refresh themselves before continuing their journey.
This is why we are proud to be involved in Transport and Main Roads’ (TMR) Rest Area Upgrade program. In the Darling Downs and South West regions alone, there will be 43 upgrades and we have been awarded seven of these.
With these upgrades, TMR is seeking to address several issues including safety (such as sufficient lighting), disability access, basic amenities, and desirability (to encourage drivers to stop and rest).
The fact that so many rest areas are being upgraded at once, means that there are logistical challenges in regards to supply of materials and availability of specialist subcontractors. However, our project manager has a staggered program to address this.
With reduced opportunities to travel overseas, more and more families are taking the time to explore their own backyard. So next time you are on the road, and your kids are yelling “Are we there yet?” look out for one of the upgraded rest areas. Take time to stretch your legs and battle dangerous fatigue.
Below are some photos of the work progressing at the Wyaga Creek rest area.
