Our local businesses will join over 100 businesses across regional areas of NSW to participate in the next phase of the successful 'Free Cuppa for the Driver' scheme, which runs annually from 1 March to 31 May.

Participating businesses will be encouraging drivers to take regular breaks by offering a free cup of tea or coffee to any driver who is more than 100kms away from home.

Since 2010, over 25,000 free cuppas have been given away. During that time, across NSW fatigue-related crashes have fallen by 19%.

The scheme is an initiative of 17 regional council areas in the Western, South Western and Hunter regions of NSW in partnership with Transport for NSW. This year, the scheme welcomes Wentworth, Mid-Western, Cootamundra-Gundagai and the Blue Mountains shires who are participating for the first time.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that the second biggest killer on NSW roads is drivers who are tired.

"When you fall asleep behind the wheel you aren't able to react by breaking or moving out of the way of hazards, which means the crash is more likely to be fatal," Ms Suitor said.

'Free Cuppas' are available from a broad range of businesses with varied opening hours, making regular breaks and free cuppas more accessible than ever.

"If it wasn't for the participating businesses supplying the 'free cuppa', then this scheme wouldn't be possible. I would like to thank the 17 enthusiastic businesses across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas who are taking part in this year's scheme," Ms Suitor said.

Local participating businesses for 2021 include Albert's Rabbit Trap Hotel, Bogan Gate's Railway Hotel, Forbes' Commercial Hotel, Forbes Bakehouse, Forbes Inn Hotel Motel, Isabel's Place, Shell Forbes and Subway - Forbes.

When you're travelling go online to the 'Free Cuppa' website, freecuppa.com.au