The Best Rest is here to help CPV and bus drivers stay sharp, safe and in control behind the wheel.

Fatigue isn’t just about sleep – it’s about spotting the signs early and building safer habits to stay sharp. With long hours and changing shifts, rest can be hard to come by. But staying alert helps you make better decisions and keep Victoria moving safely.

When you’re at your best, Victoria thrives.

If you’re not sharp, you’re not safe

Fatigue can affect your driving before you even realise it. It slows your reaction time, clouds judgement and increases the risk of crash.

In fact, fatigue plays a role in 1 in 5 road crashes in Victoria.

Did you know?   

  • Getting less than 5 hours of sleep makes you 4 times more likely to crash.
  • Microsleeps – brief lapses in attention lasting just 1 to 10 seconds can cause you to miss signs, drift lanes, or crash.
  • Fatigue is 4 times more likely to contribute to a crash than drugs or alcohol.

How to get The Best Rest

Plan

Set yourself up for success - plan your week with breaks and recovery time.  Track your total time awake – not just your driving hours.  Working split shifts? Lock in full rest blocks where you can.  Keep night shifts to a minimum - no more than four in a row. 

Optimise

Take short breaks to reset. Even 10–15 minutes can help.  Stay hydrated - dehydration adds to fatigue.  Eat smart - combine carbs and protein for lasting energy.  Keep active - a bit of movement during the day helps you sleep better. 

Sleep

Nothing beats sleep. Aim for at least 7 hours of solid sleep.  Don’t rely on “catching up” – sleep debt adds up fast.  Focus on quality, not just quantity - make your sleep space quiet and dark.  You can’t push through tiredness – only sleep resets your brain. 

Safer drivers. Safer journeys.

Fatigue isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a shared responsibility. Drivers and operators both play a role in making sure work conditions support proper rest and recovery. Open conversations about fatigue help keep everyone safer. 

Give yourself the time and space to rest, reset and refocus for your safety, your passengers’ safety, and the safety of everyone on the road.

When you’re well-rested, you’re at your best.