With Easter and Anzac Day so close together in the school holidays, there’s a good chance many of us will be travelling long distances.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That increases the risk of fatigue-related crashes, warns Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor.
That’s why the Free Cuppa for the Driver program has been established.
When drivers travel more than 100 kilometres from the town on their drivers licence, between March 1 and May 31 every year, they are eligible for a free cuppa at any of the participating businesses, Ms Suitor said.
This year's 'Free Cuppa for the Driver' scheme is operational in more than 90 businesses throughout 22 local government areas that stretch from the Queensland to the Victorian borders and cover the following highways; Castlereagh, Gwydir, Golden, Great Western, Hume, Mitchell, Newell and Oxley.
Drivers can find the nearest participating towns and businesses by going onto the Free Cuppa website at www.freecuppa.com.au, Facebook page or by downloading the Free Cuppa App on their smart phone or device.
Ms Suitor said that participating businesses also have window/door decals and banners or sandwich boards at the front of their business.
“The 'Free Cuppa for the Driver' scheme is a win for road safety in preventing crashes, a win for drivers who receive a free cuppa, a win for local businesses that report increased trade as a result of participating and a win for local towns who have visiting drivers stopping and taking a break,” Ms Suitor said.
Fatigue is one of the big three killers on NSW roads. Fatigue related crashes are twice as likely to be fatal - as a driver that is asleep can't brake.
“Driver fatigue is particularly dangerous because it can affect anyone, no matter how experienced a driver might be,” Ms Suitor said.
“Once you recognise the early warning signs of fatigue, such as yawning, tired eyes, poor concentration, it's time to take a break.
“So, plan your trip, take plenty of breaks and enjoy a free cuppa at one of our 90 participating businesses,” Ms Suitor said.
The scheme is also open to truck drivers, who are welcome to drop in to participating businesses for a coffee or tea on their travels.
To find out if there is truck or caravan parking at or near a participating business simply read the description of the business on the Free Cuppa website, Facebook Page or App.
