Determined to do their bit to reduce drink driving across the Mudgee region, two clubs and seven pubs have joined forces to promote the Plan B campaign.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The statewide initiative encourages patrons to think about alternatives to driving home after a night out.
Maureen Hutchison, chair of the Mudgee Liquor Accord, said that drink driving is one of the biggest causes of death and injury on NSW roads.
"Country people are at particular risk given the lack of public transport or other options for getting home," she said.
Alcohol related crashes claimed the lives of at least 64 people on NSW roads last year, accounting for 18 per cent of all road fatalities and included 52 lives lost on country roads.
During December, patrons at participating clubs and pubs will be invited to enter a competition to win a 'swag' valued at $250 by nominating a Plan B for getting home.
"Catch a cab, walk home or throw a swag out on a mate's floor - we don't mind what your Plan B is, so long as it's not driving home. Every entry puts patrons in the running to win a swag - there is one available at each of the two clubs in town and at every pub, nine venues in total," Maureen said.
"The competition will be drawn on New Year's Eve at each venue. The prize reinforces the Plan B message that there's always an alternative to drink driving.
"Local radio station 2MG will also be promoting the Plan B message by giving away Plan B packs to callers who ring in with their Plan B for getting home safely.
"It's so good to see the clubs and pubs and the local radio station come on board and be part of this road safety initiative. We are all so enthusiastic and supportive - it's clearly something that's close our hearts."
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 (between 0.05 and 0.079) drink driving offence for the first time will have their licence suspended immediately, effective for three months, coupled with a significant fine (currently $572).
"When planning a night out we encourage local patrons to think about a Plan B, but the best advice is to leave the car at home. That way there's no temptation to try to drive home - a crash or drink driving charge would not make for a happy new year," Maureen warned.
