Victoria’s football and netball communities will rally behind road safety this week, donning blue armbands to honour people killed on Victorian roads and affirm a shared goal to reduce road trauma.
The fourth annual initiative running across the state from July 21-23 will see thousands of Victorians from country and suburban football and netball leagues ‘Band Together’, wearing blue armbands to honour those lives that have been touched by road trauma and to promote road safety in their communities.
Players, coaches, volunteers and supporters from more than 1000 AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs will wear the bespoke armband, which features a QR code linking people to an online hub of stories from people affected by road trauma.
This year, 165 people have been tragically killed on Victorian roads with road deaths in regional areas a continued concern with 94 fatalities this year compared to 73 at the same time in 2022.
The number of young Victorians aged between 21 and 39 who have died on the roads has risen by more than 20.
The TAC and AFL Victoria’s Road Safety Round provides the perfect platform to speak directly to the thousands of Victorians traveling hundreds of kilometres on the state’s roads for games and training every year.
Road Safety Round is just one aspect of the TAC’s long-standing partnership with AFL Victoria, with the TAC Club Rewards Program offering clubs up to $10,000 for their efforts in promoting safe driving behaviours throughout the season.
Find out more about Road Safety Round and the TAC Club Rewards Program at https://tac.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
“Every life lost on Victorian roads is one too many. The impact of these tragedies on local communities across our state is devastating.”
“Road Safety Round is an opportunity for clubs to honour those impacted by road trauma and have important conversations with their members about the role they play in keeping our roads safe.”
As stated by Transport Accident Commission CEO Tracey Slatter
“Victorian football and netball clubs are often at the centre of their communities and we are proud of the way Road Safety Round is embraced by the clubs, and how it empowers players and members to have life-saving road safety conversations with their peers.”
As stated by Head of AFL Victoria, Ben Kavenagh
“Road safety is so important and relevant to every Victorian and with community football players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters spending considerable time driving, Road Safety Round presents the ideal platform to convey a powerful message.”
