Ninety-two businesses across New South Wales have signed up to participate in this coming year’s Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme.
Twenty-three local councils are coming together to implement the successful and award winning Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme, which has continued to develop and expand since its inception in 2010.
The scheme will see visiting drivers offered a ‘free cuppa with the locals’ in a bid to encourage them to take rest breaks from driving long distances.
The Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme will be officially launched in Dubbo on 1 March 2017 and will continue to offer free coffee and teas until 31 May 2017.
A greater number of businesses in the Dubbo Regional Council area have signed on to participate in the 2017 scheme said council’s Road Safety Officer Jayne Bleechmore.
“We have had an even more enthusiastic response in Dubbo and Wellington with 12 businesses registering to take part in next year’s scheme.
“The scheme is a win/win. It’s a win for road safety as tired drivers can stop and take a break and it’s a win for the local participating businesses as they attract more customers – who usually buy something else along with their free cuppa.
“Feedback from last year’s business owners showed that they took fatigue driving prevention very seriously and did their best to promote awareness by giving away as many coffees as they could. Several business owners said this was one easy way by which they could actually contribute to the reduction of road crash injuries and fatalities.”
Participating businesses are provided with training and promotion packs to get them started. Window decals, competition entry boxes and entry pads, banners and roadside flags are also provided to all participating businesses.
Last year over 2,500 free cuppas were provided to eligible drivers. Over 60 per cent of drivers that participated in the scheme were from NSW and almost 70 per cent were travelling to a destination in NSW.
Free Cuppa for the Driver booklets and free Apps identify every participating business and will once again be available in local caravan parks, motels and Visitor Information Centres throughout each of the 23 local government areas.
