Bec Kennedy, Jolene Jones and Taylah Jones want you to consider your Plan B.
Local pubs, clubs and bottle shops have thrown their support behind the NSW Centre For Safety’s “Plan B” campaign. Fifty-seven pubs, clubs and bottle shops throughout Forbes, Parkes and the Lachlan Shire are promoting this campaign which reminds patrons to consider alternative options to driving home after drinking.
The state-wide initiative aims at reducing causalities of drink driving, one of the leading causes of death and injury on NSW roads. Because of the lack of access to public transport and private taxi services, people in rural and remote areas are at a far greater risk of death and injury due to drink driving.
Participating venues and businesses invite patrons to put forward their plan B for getting home after a night out, doing so will enter patrons into a competition to win a swag valued at $250. Local radio station ROK-FM have also thrown their support behind the campaign by encouraging listeners to call in with their Plan B for getting home safely.
The competition winners will be announced on New Year’s Eve. The prize it- self reinforces the Plan B campaign to raise awareness and to make people consider other options to driving. Alternatives can be walking home, having a designated driver or throwing a swag out on a mate’s floor.
The promotion coincides with enhanced Police enforcement, reminding drivers that RBT means you need a Plan B, especially following the introduction of tougher drink driving penalties earlier this year. Since May 2019, drivers who commit a low range drink driving offence for the first time will have their licence suspended immediately, effective for three months. This will be coupled with a fine of $572. To avoid these penalties, please consider your Plan B.
For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, on (02) 6861 2364.