Campaign to reward local zero heroes

Sober drivers are set to also be the attention of police in the next six months with a new initiative to reward drivers who blow zero.

The Shire of Denmark RoadWise committee has teamed up with Denmark police in acknowledging and encouraging safe driving choices around alcohol through the Sober Super Heroes campaign.

For the next six months, drivers who return a blood alcohol reading of zero during a random breath test could be rewarded with a prize from a local Denmark business.

Denmark police officer-in-charge Sergeant Matt Hartfield said the initiative was a result of police and the Roadwise committee acknowledging that alcohol was a contributing factor in 32 per cent of fatal crashes last year.

“We know that there are a lot of people in our community who do the right thing by not drinking anything before getting behind the wheel,” he said.

“We wanted to reward the good choices that people make and local businesses and community members were really happy to come on board with the project.

“This was our way to show people that the whole community appreciates what they’re doing, because their choices affect all of us.”

Sgt Hartfield said Denmark businesses were encouraged to contact the committee regarding donating vouchers.

“The whole community can support this campaign by encouraging friends and family not to drink any alcohol before driving, and by setting a good example by doing the same,” he said.

Passengers who also blow zero could be rewarded and go into the draw for the major prize of a swag by answering a quick quiz.

Quiz entries can be dropped off by students at Denmark Senior High School.

Other participants can return their forms to the Shire of Denmark, Denmark Community Resource Centre, Thornton’s Hardware and Country Tools and Auto Supplies.

The grand prize will be drawn at the end of the campaign after Easter 2018.