A new solar-powered, remote-controlled driver safety sign will be in action over the long weekend on the outskirts of Orange.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Federal MP Andrew Gee announced on Monday morning that a $20,000 grant from round one of the government's Driver Upgrade Program would be put towards the high-visibility sign, which will be positioned at the Driver Reviver site on the edge of town heading towards Bathurst.
"Driver Reviver sites are a well-recognised feature of Aussie road trips, operating for 30 years to provide travellers with free drinks, snacks and friendly conversation as they take a break," Mr Gee said.
"This vital funding will help the wonderful volunteers at the Driver Reviver site to continue the critical work that they do, which sometimes means saving lives of those that may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
"The new, solar powered sign is state-of-the art. It can be controlled remotely, online with technology that facilitates tailored messaging. It is also able to be transported to different sites to maximise road safety when and where it is needed most."
Mayor Reg Kidd said that "taking a break during a family road trip can make all the difference when it comes to getting to a destination safely ... [the volunteers] do a great job and now something as simple as an attention-grabbing sign by the side of the road in Orange is going to be encouraging more drivers to take that important break."
- READ ALSO: MP Andrew Gee renews attack on CSU
Operating across long weekends and school holidays, the Driver Reviver site offers sustenance to an average of 20 drivers a day.
Neil Barlow, secretary of the Orange Lions Club, said the sign was a great investment in the safety of local motorists.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS AND SPORT?
Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...