Shire of Williams set to run Driver Reviver coffee van to combat fatigue on Great Southern roads

As travellers gear up for their long weekend road trips, the Shire of Williams is preparing to run a complimentary coffee van to help combat fatigue-related road trauma.

The Shire of Williams run its Drivers Reviver program on long weekends and school holidays to spread the important road safety message of ‘don’t drive tired’.

It is a Federal Government initiative that aims to spread road safety awareness and encourage people to stop more often.

The Great Southern police district — which stretches north to Corrigin — recorded its worst road toll in five years after 27 people died in 2021.

Shire of Williams chief executive Geoff McKeown said the program was about addressing fatigue on the roads.

“It’s for benefiting road safety and encouraging people to have a bit of a break in their journey,” he said.

“The coffee, tea and a little snack is provided free of charge to anyone that would like it.

“It’s to help people get out of their car, have a bit of a stretch and have a cuppa and then be on their way.”

The program was started by a group of community members who now help to run the van in two-hour shifts.

Mr McKeown said the local volunteers step up to help make the roads safer for all travellers.

“We are mid-way between a trip from Perth to Albany so we are a good place for people who have been driving for a couple of hours to stop and have a break,” he said.

“Its supported by our community because we recognise that we serve the travelling public on Albany Highway.

“Our community is happy to step up and do their little bit to help out.”

The Driver Reviver coffee van will be running from March 4 to 6 at the carpark of Williams Lions Park off Albany Highway.