1. Driver Distraction and Fatigue: Scale of problem and data collection Chris Foley, Principal Adviser, Ministry of Transport

2. Safer Journeys – Driver Fatigue and Distraction Reducing the impact of fatigue and addressing distraction are areas of medium concern for Safer Journeys New Zealand’s Road Safety Strategy 2010-2020. This is a significant increase in the level of concern about these issues from the previous Road Safety Strategy to 2010. Reflects an increasing recognition of these factors as crash causes.

3. What we know already The Safer Journeys Action Plan 2011-2012 tasks the Ministry of Transport with improving crash information on fatigue and distraction. Fatigue Between 2006 and 2010 fatigue contributed to 13% of fatal crashes and 7% of serious injury crashes. In 2010, these crashes resulted in 181 serious injuries and 51 deaths. In 2010, it was estimated that the social cost of crashes involving fatigue was $346 million. Distraction Between 2006 and 2010 distraction, or inattention, contributed to 10% of fatal and serious injury crashes. In 2010, these crashes resulted in 242 serious injuries and 34 deaths. In 2010, it was estimated that the social cost of crashes involving distraction was $373 million.

4. Improving our crash information One of the goals of Safer Journeys is by 2020, New Zealanders’ management of driver distraction and fatigue is a habitual part of what it is to be a safe and competent driver. It is necessary to have accurate data to ensure we know the scope of the problem and to properly inform effective and efficient policy action.