Sydney set for congestion nightmare over holiday period

Holiday-makers thinking about getting an early start on a long drive beware — a tired teetotaller can be as dangerous as a drunk driver on the road.

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Holiday-makers thinking about getting an early start on a long drive beware — a tired teetotaller can be as dangerous as a drunk driver on the road.

Alarming new research ahead of the deadly holiday period on our roads shows that sleep-deprived motorists have the same impairment as a 0.05 blood alcohol reading. A driver who has been awake for 17 hours before deciding to get in the car would already be the equivalent of a low-range drink driver.

Sydney is bracing for a congestion nightmare.

The warning comes as hordes of motorists heading to Christmas and New Year celebrations are expected to create a congestion nightmare on Sydney’s roads in the coming week, with traffic on some highways set to double.

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Transport Management Centre spokesman Dave Wright said the busiest day for traffic this week was expected to be Thursday, as Sydneysiders hit the road for family getaways after Boxing Day.

In reference to the research on tired drivers, Centre for Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlon said it was a “sobering’’ statistic given fatigue was the second-biggest killer on Australian roads after speeding.

People heading to Sydney Airport have been warned to expect traffic delays. Picture: Luke Drew

“Crashes due to tiredness are twice as likely to be fatal than other crashes because drivers who are asleep can’t brake,” he said. “And a lot of people will get up early and get in the car to beat the traffic or get a head start on a long trip — but if you’re driving when you normally sleep, your brain function will have a propensity to be shutting down.”

According to new figures, males account for 81 per cent of fatigued drivers in fatal crashes and 73 per cent in serious injury crashes.

Mr Carlon said planning ahead is the best way to avoid being tired, adding: “Make sure you have a good night’s sleep before getting behind the wheel and avoid driving at night when your body naturally wants to sleep.”

Double demerits will be in force for speeding. Picture: Monique Harmer