Tens of thousands of footballers and netballers across Victoria will pull on blue armbands this weekend – backing safer driving and honouring the lives lost on our roads.
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and AFL Victoria today launched Road Safety Round, alongside Hawthorn star and campaign ambassador Nick Watson at the MCG.
The launch was held in front of 291 blacked-out stadium seats – one for every Victorian who died on our roads last year.
Hawthorn will wear blue armbands at the MCG on Saturday, with Collingwood captain Darcy Moore also backing the campaign.
Now in its eighth year, Road Safety Round brings road safety conversations directly into more than 1,000 grassroots clubs.
This year’s campaign focus is speeding – a factor in around 30 per cent of fatal crashes and 25 per cent of serious injuries
Road Safety Round is a major initiative of the TAC and AFL Victoria’s more than 30-year partnership.
Grassroots clubs can earn up to $10,000 through the $700,000 Club Rewards Program, for being road safety leaders.
So far this year, 140 lives have been lost on Victoria’s roads – a 20 per cent reduction on the same time last year, but a reminder that more still needs to be done to keep our roads safe.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ros Spence
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many.”
“Footy and netball clubs reach people of all ages, on and off the field – and that makes them powerful voices for safer roads.”
As stated by TAC CEO Tracey Slatter
“Speeding continues to be one of the biggest contributors to deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”
“By starting conversations in clubs, changerooms and on the sidelines, we’re encouraging Victorians to look out for one another and make safer choices whenever they travel.”
As stated by AFL Victoria CEO Greg Madigan
“Road Safety Round has become a key pillar on the Victorian footy calendar – and a reminder that, on the field and on the road, we’re stronger when we unite behind a common goal.”
