Almost one in four Australians have succumbed to a microsleep while driving, new research from the NRMA has revealed.

A nationwide index survey involving over 2000 Australians revealed that among the 23 percent of respondents who had experienced nodding off behind the wheel, nearly two-thirds reported it happening during daylight hours.

The shocking figure comes as the national road toll for the past 12 months to May sits at 1337 deaths.

The findings from the NRMA survey also indicated that almost 40 percent of drivers neglect to pause for a break at least every two hours when traveling over distances of three hours or more.

When planning a road trip, 61 per cent were most concerned about beating the traffic and almost one-quarter left before sunrise, the research showed.

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said too many Australians were losing their lives because they were driving exhausted. 

“Fatigue contributes to one in five accidents on Australian roads, and the road toll this year is already too high. This avoidable risk can be mitigated by simply taking a break,” Khoury stated. 

The survey results come as many Australians prepare to hit the road for their winter break.

Almost 70 per cent of Australians planned to stay within the country for their next holiday, and, for those who would be travelling interstate, 45 per cent planned to drive.  

Khoury said as more Australians chose to travel domestically for their holidays due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it was vital drivers prioritised safety on our roads. 

“Whether you’re heading somewhere warmer for winter, to visit family and friends, or to enjoy the snow season, we know there will be more people about these holidays driving long distances on roads they are less familiar with so please plan to stop every two hours,”  Khoury said.