Motorists are being reminded to make a Plan B to get home safely after a night out, as part of a statewide campaign to raise awareness about the importance of planning ahead.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole called on drivers and motorcyclists in regional NSW to share their Plan B for a chance to take out the NSW Government’s fifth annual ‘Win a Swag’ competition.

“It’s been a tough year for people in the bush, with drought, bushfires and now COVID-19, so many are going to be looking to unwind and socialise with loved ones, or pack up the car and hit the road to enjoy a well-deserved holiday – but it’s important we all do that as safely as possible,” Mr Toole said.

“With more people visiting regional NSW this festive season, I’m asking everyone to take extra care on the road because road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“Tragically, two-thirds of the lives lost on NSW roads occur in the country, and drink driving is still one of the biggest factors. This year alone, we’ve seen more than 175 people die on country roads, and at least 17 per cent of those involved an illegal level of alcohol.

“Drinking alcohol increases your risk of being involved in a crash, which is why campaigns like this are so important to drive home the importance of planning ahead.

“Whether it’s calling on someone for a lift or rolling out a swag on a mate’s floor, you need to have a Plan B before going out during the festive season.

“No matter how short the journey is or how well you know the road, it is not worth risking your life, or someone else’s. The message is simple: if you’re drinking, don’t drive.”

The Plan B ‘Win a Swag’ competition will see more than 340 participating pubs, clubs and bottle shops in western and southern NSW - from Katoomba to Tibooburra - invite patrons to register their Plan B this December for the chance to win a swag.

Regional radio stations are also giving away taxi vouchers to listeners who call in with their Plan B as part of the campaign. To find out more about the Plan B campaign and participating pubs, clubs and bottle shops, visit: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/plan-b/index.html