By Victoria Stone-Meadows
THE Gippy B&S Ball will hit the shores of Tooradin this weekend and the TAC will be joining the party to ensure driving and drinking don’t hook up.
The five-star ANCAP safety rated Ford Ranger known as the “Beaut Ute” will be at events across summer as part of the TAC’s Vanessa program to help people get home safely.
TAC senior road safety manager Samantha Cockfield said that planning a safe way home should be partygoer’s number-one priority if their night involves drinking alcohol.
“We want everyone at the Gippy B&S Ball to have a great night out, but more importantly we want everyone to make good choices and arrive home safely,” she said.
“We know everyone will be making their plans for the ball and if that plan involves drinking then it needs to include a safe way home.”
Bachelors and Spinsters are encouraged to roll out the swag and stay the night at Rutter Park Reserve in Tooradin or arrange designated drivers and take advantage of taxi services in the region.
Ms Cockfield said any level of alcohol in a person’s system impairs their judgment and their ability to drive safely.
“If you’re heading to the Gippy B&S and plan on having a couple of drinks, it’s best to stay the night at the reserve or leave the car at home and use alternative transport.”
“Beaut Ute staff will be at the event running games, providing free breath tests and giving away prizes to designated drivers and those who have planned a safe way home,” Ms Cockfield said.
The Beaut Ute will be at the Rutter Park Reserve in Tooradin, from 6am until 11am on Sunday morning.
To find out more about Beaut Ute Vanessa, visit the Vanessa Facebook page www.vanessabus.com.au
