The ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ initiative has wrapped up for another year, with early results indicating a positive response from drivers and businesses who participated in the campaign across Western and South Western NSW.
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The scheme, which ran from March 1 to May 31, offers a free cuppa to drivers who have travelled more than 100 kilometres from the address on their driver's licence with the aim of preventing fatigue related crashes.
Prize draws for the scheme's various competitions were held recently in Leeton. The winning names were drawn by Cr George Weston, Deputy Mayor of Leeton Shire Council.
Congratulations to the winners:
- Jessie Luchetti from Lithgow, who got a free cuppa at Poolside Café in Parkes and won the in-store prize draw (an ipad and accessories worth $600).
- Pilliga Café in Pilliga, a participating Free Cuppa business who won the business prize draw ($300 voucher).
- David Gee, won the Facebook Selfie Competition ($200 fuel voucher). David posted a ‘selfie’ enjoying his free cuppa at the Café Cassaro in Balranald.
The Free Cuppa for the Driver team would like to thank drivers who took part in the scheme and got a free cuppa, participating businesses whose involvement is vital in the implementation and success of the scheme and everyone else who supported and promoted the campaign.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, reminded drivers that while this phase of the scheme has concluded, drivers should still apply strategies to prevent becoming tired whilst driving.
“There are a number of participating businesses that are so supportive of the scheme that they offer free cuppas all year round,” Ms Suitor said.
“Look out of the free cuppa bali banners or sandwich board signs to identify these businesses when you are travelling throughout regional NSW.
“Locally the following businesses provide free cuppas all year round to travelling drivers - Metro Petroleum in Forbes, Fisho's Hotbake and Takeaway in Lake Cargelligo, Poolside Café in Parkes, Casho's in Trundle and Railway Arts and Craft in Bogan Gate.”
Organisers are currently evaluating the scheme and are hoping to release the results of phase seven in the coming weeks.
For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, on (02) 6861 2364.
Other strategies to prevent driving tired include:
- Rest when you notice the early warning signs of fatigue, such as yawning, poor concentration, tired eyes
- Share the driving on long distance trips
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Avoid driving at night when your body will naturally want to sleep
- Avoid long drives after work
- Find out if any medicine you are taking may affect your driving