Under new state and federal laws, everyone in the supply chain must take "reasonable steps" to prevent driver fatigue.

Management must ensure its employees do not drive a heavy vehicle while impaired by fatigue.

Fatigue and fatigue impairment within the Transport Industry in Australia, has been responsible for countess injuries and deaths. It has cost organisations, government and Australian taxpayers millions of dollars.

Australia has the highest proportion of single heavy vehicle fatal crashes with five other OECD nations.

Statistics show that fatigue-related crashes involving articulated trucks or heavy vehicles account for more than 30 per cent of all fatigue-related crashes.

The new Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue reform requires all parties in the supply chain to manage the causes of heavy vehicle driver fatigue.

Everyone in the supply chain has responsibilities to prevent driver fatigue and ensure drivers comply with legal work/rest hours.

If your actions, inactions or demands cause or contribute to road safety breaches, you can be held legally accountable.

Here are 10 tips to prevent driver fatigue:

• Get a good night’s sleep before a long trip (at least 7-9 hours)
• Eat light, fresh foods. (Sandwiches and fruit are ideal snacks for drivers)
• Do not drive on a full stomach. (It is harder to stay alert and focused after a big meal)
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid heavy, fatty foods, which hasten the onset of tiredness
• Avoid alcohol completely
• Avoid medications that may make you drowsy
• Keep the vehicle interior cool. Staying cool will help you stay alert. (Warmth can intensify sleepiness).
• Get plenty of fresh air (open windows regularly)
• Take regular breaks from driving (Pull over and rest or sleep when fatigue hits).

Recent research has found drivers waking from a 10-minute "power" nap show an immediate noticeable rise in mental performance and alertness that remains for a minimum of one hour after.