Fatigued driver nearly hits police car

In-car video from a Highway Patrol vehicle in the state's Hunter Valley has captured a dramatic near-miss with another car which had crossed to the wrong side of the road after the driver had allegedly fallen asleep due to fatigue.

About 1.25pm on Monday (27 December 2010), a Senior Constable attached to Hunter Valley Highway Patrol was in his vehicle performing duties on the Golden Highway near Goulburn Drive at Sandy Hollow.

As the officer drove westbound, he saw an approaching Honda Accord which then crossed to the incorrect side of the roadway.

The Highway Patrol officer took evasive action, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision with the Honda which stopped a short distance away.

The Senior Constable spoke to the 66-year-old female driver of the Honda, and it will be alleged that she admitted to falling asleep or having a 'microsleep' whilst at the wheel, causing the vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic.

A male passenger in the Honda was also asleep, and the woman allegedly admitted delaying her plans to stop for a rest break and continuing to drive whilst fatigued.

She was later charged with negligent driving in relation to the incident.

Traffic Services Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, says the near-miss highlights the need for drivers to take regular rest breaks.

"This incident could have easily ended in a tragic head-on collision," Asst Comm Hartley said.

"The Honda driver, her passenger, and the Highway Patrol officer could have been killed or seriously injured."

"Other vehicles, including a car towing a caravan, were travelling a short distance behind the Highway Patrol car - can you image the potential carnage if the Honda had crossed to the incorrect side of the roadway in front of them?"

"And all because someone refused to stop and take a regular rest break."

"I'd appeal to motorists to learn from the dramatic vision captured by the police in-car video."

"Driver fatigue does occur -- microsleeps do happen -- and as a result, cars do cross to the wrong side of the roadway into the path of oncoming vehicles."

"Please make sure you take regular rest breaks, ideally every two hours, if travelling during the remainder of the Christmas / New Year holiday period."

"Wherever possible, share the driving responsibilities, and make certain that you, your loved ones, and other road-users, reach their destination safely," Asst Comm Hartley said.

Operation Safe Arrival commenced at 0001hrs on Friday (24 December 2010) and will run until 11:59pm on Friday 7 January.

Double demerit points will be in place for all speeding and seatbelt offences across New South Wales until Monday 3 January 2011.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Fatigue
• driver reviver
• NSW Police
• road safety
• Highway Patrol
• near miss
• Sandy Hollow

[mikefictiti0us]

Very close.

[GamaVideoProductions]

Scary, very common cause of MVA's. Maybe cars today are too comfy?..