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A microsleep put Paul in hospital for 21 days. This is what he wants you to know

A microsleep changed the course of Paul Freeman's life forever.
He was driving to work in the Perth suburb of Midland in 1991 when he drifted to the wrong side of the road and crashed head-on into a lamp post, just five minutes away from his destination.
Freeman woke up in Royal Perth Hospital and was in the hospital for 21 days, which included nine days in the intensive care unit and a nine-and-a-half-hour reconstructive surgery.
Paul Freeman is spreading awareness about the importance of safe driving.
Freeman is spreading awareness about the importance of safe driving. (Supplied)
The then-33-year-old had a range of serious injuries including a collapsed lung, nerve damage, a split nose, shattered cheekbones and broken jaw bones.
"My first memory was waking in the ward 10 days after the accident - that was a shock," Freeman told 9news.com.au.
Over the next two years, he had nine more operations as his recovery continued.
The end result of a microsleep.
The end result of a microsleep. (Supplied)
Paul Freeman spent 21 days in hospital including nine days in the intensive care unit
Freeman spent 21 days in hospital including nine days in the intensive care unit (Supplied)
Freeman said he felt sorry for himself after the crash until a conversation with his brother changed his perspective.
"My brother took me to see my car and lectured me on how lucky I was - it worked," he said.
"I did go through a lot of black times and horrific mood swings over the first few years."
He has since used his experience to help people through presentations to hundreds of people in the Western Australian community.
He has shared graphic photos and stories during his talks in the hope that his message will have an impact on the audience.
Paul Freeman said fluid leaked from his nose following the crash
Freeman said fluid leaked from his nose following the crash. (Supplied)
Paul Freeman before the crash.
A photo of Freeman before the crash. (Supplied)
Ahead of the Easter long weekend, Freeman is renewing his plea for drivers to take care on the roads.
"Don't drive tired. Drive safely or risk your life plus others' lives," he said.
With younger drivers overrepresented in crashes, Freeman also said education is important for improving the statistics.
"I strongly believe defensive driving courses and a visit to hospitals to hear testimonies from survivors should be mandatory before obtaining a licence," Freeman said.
A list of Paul Freeman's injuries following the crash.
A list of Freeman's injuries. (Supplied)
Which one of these cars in in the wrong?
As the Easter long weekend approaches, police are set to patrol roads across the country.
New South Wales, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory will have double demerits in place between Thursday and Monday this year.
Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania do not have a double demerits scheme however extra officers will be patrolling the roads.
Meanwhile, Queensland has a year-round double demerits system, which applies to people who have committed a second road offence within a year of committing another.
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