Coffee Brake program ... managing driver fatigue in the Northern Territory

Flyer (includes map of stops) | Coffee Brake locations
Agreement form | Contact details update form

 

Motorists travelling through the Northern Territory at any time of the year are encouraged to make regular rest stops to prevent fatigue related crashes on our roads.

With vast distances between destinations in the Territory, fatigue is a major risk for drivers and is thought to contribute to an alarming number of motor vehicle crashes on our roads.

It is vital that motorists take the time to stop and have a rest, stretch their legs and get some fresh air to stay alert. Designated NT Rest Areas are located along the Stuart, Victoria and Barkly Highways.

Break up your drive and ... survive! Know the symptoms and avoid fatigue.

The Coffee Brake program was developed in response to concerns about people travelling long distances in the Northern Territory and becoming susceptible to fatigue while driving.

With the support of Ausfuel and roadhouses around the Territory, all drivers now have access to free tea and coffee as part of this road safety initiative.

A similar program – Driver Reviver – is sponsored nationally by Bushells, but usually only operates during peak holiday periods.

The Coffee Brake ... stay awake! program runs all year round in the Territory.

There are currently 18 roadhouses participating in this program, so there is no excuse not to plan regular rest breaks.

The support of roadhouses participating in this important road safety initiative is appreciated and is imperative to the program's success.

All participating roadhouses are clearly marked with signs indicating free coffee for drivers.

Communities or roadhouses in the Northern Territory that are interested in getting involved with this important road safety program should contact the Road Safety Branch.

 

click here to view/print the PDF version of the Memorandum of Agreement

 

 

Brake up your drive and ... SURVIVE!

Know the symptoms and avoid fatigue...

Avoiding fatigue is as simple as recognising the warning signs.
Making yourself familiar with them will help you arrive safely.

click here to enlarge the "symptoms of fatigue" image above

• Plan your trip with a good night’s sleep beforehand.
• Plan not to travel for more than 8 to 10 hours in any one day. The longer you drive, the more fatigued you are likely to feel. Don’t place yourself and others in the car at risk.
• Take regular breaks, at least every two hours. Plan to take advantage of the Coffee Brake stops. The flyer includes a map indicating locations of participating roadhouses.
• Start your trip early in the day and plan not to drive into the night. The chances of a crash occuring increases at night.
• When you stop, get out of the car and walk around for a while - excercise, breathe deeply and only resume driving when you feel alert.
• Plan to stay somewhere overnight.
• Whenever possible, share the driving. Passengers can tell if you are looking tired or showing signs of being tired.
• Eat well-balanced meals on your journey - not too much and not too little - and at your usual meal times. This will also ensure you take proper breaks.
• Don’t drink alcohol at all before driving or during rest breaks. Alcohol can make you feel tired more quickly and put you at risk of being over the legal limit to drive.
• Some medicines can affect your alertness or cause drowsiness. If taking medication, check with your pharmacist or doctor to see if you can stop taking them for the duration of your travel.

For more information on road safety, contact the Road Safety Branch.

 

click here to view/print the PDF version of this checklist

 

 

The Coffee Brake program is proudly supported by: