More than nine in 10 Australian parents with a baby under 12 months old have driven while fatigued during the previous month, according to new Monash University research.
The study by the Monash University Accident Research Centre surveyed 1,160 Australian parents with at least one child under 12 months to examine how disrupted sleep affected driving behaviour and road safety.
Published in the Journal of Safety Research, the study found participants averaged just six hours of sleep each night, with almost all reporting sleep disruption associated with parenting responsibilities.
Fatigued driving was more common among those surveyed than speeding, illegal mobile phone use while driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Parents who drove while fatigued were also significantly more likely to report concentration lapses, driving errors, traffic violations and aggressive driving.
Lead author and Monash University Accident Research Centre Behavioural Science team associate director Associate Professor Sjaan Koppel said new parents received little information about how their own sleep deprivation could affect driving.
“Healthcare professionals, employers and road safety organisations all have a role to play in helping parents to recognise fatigue as a genuine road safety risk and encouraging practical strategies to reduce that risk,” Koppel said.
More than 80 per cent of participants experienced symptoms associated with fatigued driving, including poor concentration, tired eyes, increased blinking and an increased likelihood of driving errors.
However, most relied on short-term measures such as coffee, music or opening windows to remain alert, while restorative approaches such as taking a nap were used much less frequently.
Fewer than one in five reported having fatigue-detection technology in their vehicle, while many did not know whether their vehicle had the technology or how it operated.
Researchers are calling for fatigue advice to be incorporated into antenatal and postnatal care, supported by road safety education, flexible workplace arrangements and greater awareness of vehicle fatigue-detection systems.
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