Victorian footballers and netballers unite for road safety

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.

AFL Victoria, in partnership with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), today launched Road Safety Round at the MCG.

Hawthorn forward and campaign ambassador Nick Watson was in attendance, with Hawthorn to wear blue armbands in their clash against Essendon this weekend.

The launch was held against a sombre backdrop of 291 blacked-out stadium seats, representing the number of people who died on Victorian roads last year.
 
This year's campaign focuses on the dangers of speeding, which remains one of the major contributors to road trauma in Victoria – a factor in around 30 per cent of fatal crashes and 25 per cent of serious injuries.

Now in its eighth year, Road Safety Round brings road safety conversations directly into more than 1,000 grassroots clubs.

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.

Quote attributable to Head of AFL Victoria, 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.”

Quotes attributable to 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.”

Quotes attributable to 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.”