SA Police would like to thank the SANFL and South Australia’s community football leagues for their ongoing support in relation to a road safety education program which is provided across the state through football clubs.
The program, which sees about 50 educational talks delivered by police from the Road Safety Centre each year, will continue in 2020. The program, which saw police in Waikerie last week (pictured) is about to be completed for 2019 as the competitions wrap up their seasons and enter the finals rounds.
The officer in charge of the Traffic Support Branch, Superintendent Bob Gray, said this is just one of the education programs that are delivered by SAPOL, which see police directly engage with regional communities through school, community groups and clubs.
“In partnership with the SANFL and SA country football leagues, we provide road safety education to a wide range of young drivers through the Country Football League education program,” he said.
“This provides a valuable opportunity for us to speak with young people – generally aged 16 to 24 – who play football in country leagues.
“Members from the Road Safety Centre attend about 50 football clubs a year to talk to players about road safety.
“While facilitated through the footy clubs, we often have other community members and teams, such as the local netball players for instance, in attendance too.
“By speaking with them in their town, and at their local club, we break down some of the barriers between police and young people.
“These sessions have a clear focus on the Fatal Five while highlighting regional driving. These sessions include discussing choices, risks and consequences.
“We know the terrible impact that fatal and serious crashes can have on country communities and through these sessions we aim to reduce that road trauma.
“With 61 of the 80 fatalities occurring on regional roads in 2018/2019 it is vital that the risk of driving on regional roads is highlighted to the local communities.”
For more information about SAPOL education programs, please visit the website: https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/community-programs/road-safety-education
