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Australian state to offer drivers free tea, coffee during Easter holidays to combat fatigue

Xinhua, April 13, 2017 Adjust font size:

Australia's New South Wales State is offering motorists and weary travellers free tea and coffee at roadside locations to combat driver fatigue during the Easter holidays, the state government announced Thursday.

Fatigue is the second biggest killer on the roads of New South Wales.

"This is an opportunity for drivers to get out of their cars, stretch their legs and have a break over a tea or coffee and to get to their destination safely," New South Wales Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey said in a statement obtained by Xinhua.

With more cars on the road during school holiday periods, such as the Easter long weekend, the chance of road accidents greatly increases.

"Tiredness can affect your driving no matter how long or short your trip is and the outcome could potentially be catastrophic - not just for you, but for your friends and family too," Pavey said.

"I am urging every motorist to be well rested, stay alert and make every journey a safe one."

In the previous year to April 12, there were 372 fatalities on Australia's vast roadways.

For decades, all state governments have championed road safety campaigns in order to reduce the amount of tragedies.

As part of the the program, there will also be a number of roadside "Driver Reviver" stops, offering free tea and coffee to motorists along the state's main highways.

McDonald's have also joined the initiative, with 45 restaurants getting onboard the state's push for road safety.

"These community based initiatives reflect a road safety culture we'd like to see more of and I thank these organizations and volunteers for helping us to drive the road toll Towards Zero," Pavey said. Endit