RACV commissioned a market research project exploring motorists’ opinions of fatigue, rest taking and rest area facilities across the State. Through a series of focus groups and telephone questionnaires, survey participants were asked to identify the extent to which they take breaks on long distance trips, which facilities they find most useful and those which they find lacking. The results show that the majority of respondents take regular breaks when travelling on long distance trips. Approximately half of the sample claimed to travel on trips where they plan their rest breaks beforehand and a small proportion claim to select their routes based on the type and quality of rest areas available. The survey also showed that driver age, trip purpose and the presence of passengers were all important factors in determining rest-taking behaviours. From a local government perspective, the findings of this research are extremely useful in highlighting the types of facilities that are most attractive and useful to motorists travelling on long distance trips. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E211954.
Abstract