For people learning to drive, there are many skills that must be acquired. In addition to navigating different hazards and managing distractions, new drivers must also learn to drive safely in conditions where visibility is poor, such as night. But the crash rate is still too high.
A study sponsored by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development found that young or inexperienced drivers were more likely to be slower at anticipating hazards at night. In addition, novice drivers were also found to be more at risk of experiencing acute sleepiness when they were behind the wheel both at night or in the early hours of the morning.
As such, a number of states have regulations in place to limit the amount of unsupervised nighttime driving for learners.
Smartphones have an undeniable presence in the lives of Australians, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by developers, corporates and even government bodies. Now, Transport NSW has joined the crusade with its own range of smartphone applications, or apps to assist the state’s road users.
Sleep deprivation is an exceedingly pressing issue that can have serious health implications when left unchecked. According to the Sleep Health Foundation, an alarming 18 per cent of Australian adults are sleeping less than six hours per night, while some 20 per cent suffer from chronically poor sleep.
Despite the Australian economy not looking as healthy as in recent months, consumers continue to push up new car sales.