Broome Soccer Association - Champions of Road Safety

The Broome Soccer Association has received funding which will help prevent fatigue related fatalities and serious injury on our roads.

The $14,000 grant from the Community Road Safety Grants Program will assist the association purchase a custom built trailer which will be used to operate Driver Reviver sites throughout the Shire of Broome.

The Association will also promote the “don’t drive tired” message to the Kimberley community.

Broome RoadWise Committee chairman, John McCourt, said fatigue was the silent killer on Western Australian roads and could be responsible for up to 30 per cent of all road deaths.

“We also recognise that some road users do take risks and make mistakes when driving long distances around the Kimberley,” Mr McCourt said.

“People don’t always obey the rules, but together with enforcement, we will continue to educate road users and increase awareness of the driver fatigue issue.” he said.

Driver Reviver is a community program operated by volunteers from a wide range of service organisations and community groups, whose members give up their own time to help reduce the road toll.

Driver Reviver sites are an ideal place to take a break on a long journey. They offer a free cup of Bushells tea, coffee, an Arnott’s biscuit, or simply a place to stop and chat with the friendly volunteers before continuing safely on your journey.

Broome Soccer Association President, Mike Doyle, said association clubs had already nominated volunteers to operate sites on a regular basis.

He said the Driver Reviver volunteers would target all road users in their campaign to reduce the road toll.

“Locals going away for a weekend, families on holidays, singles, grey nomads, or backpackers are all welcome to stop, have a cuppa and a chat,” he said.

What can you do

If you are driving, you should get off the road if you:

• are yawning;
• are blinking more than usual;
• are having trouble keeping your head up;
• notice your eyes closing for a moment or going out of focus; or
• forget driving the last few kilometres.

Early danger signs of fatigue include:

• wandering thoughts;
• missing a gear, road sign or exit;
• slowing unintentionally; and
• braking too late.

After driving for long periods, you should stop for a break or coffee, swap drivers where possible or stop to have a short sleep. Remember to get plenty of rest the night before a long trip.

You should not be driving if you feel tired.