Thousands of footballers and netballers across Victoria will wear blue armbands this weekend as part of a campaign calling for safer driving and remembering those who have lost their lives on the state’s roads.
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and AFL Victoria launched Road Safety Round at the MCG with Hawthorn player and campaign ambassador Nick Watson, using the event to highlight the ongoing impact of road trauma.
The launch featured 291 blacked-out stadium seats, representing each Victorian who died on the roads last year. Hawthorn players will wear blue armbands during their match at the MCG on Saturday, while Collingwood captain Darcy Moore is also supporting the initiative.
Now in its eighth year, Road Safety Round brings road safety discussions into more than 1,000 grassroots football and netball clubs across Victoria. This year’s campaign is focused on speeding, which contributes to around 30 per cent of fatal crashes and 25 per cent of serious injuries.
The initiative forms part of the TAC and AFL Victoria’s long-running partnership, with community clubs encouraged to promote safer behaviour through the $700,000 Club Rewards Program. Clubs that demonstrate leadership in road safety can receive up to $10,000 in funding.
Victoria has recorded 140 lives lost on its roads so far this year, a 20 per cent reduction compared with the same period last year. However, authorities say the figures highlight the need for continued efforts to prevent deaths and serious injuries.
Roads and Road Safety Minister Ros Spence said every death on Victorian roads had a lasting impact on families and communities.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many,” Ms Spence said.
“Footy and netball clubs reach people of all ages, on and off the field, and that makes them powerful voices for safer roads.”
TAC CEO Tracey Slatter said speeding remained one of the leading causes of deaths and serious injuries on Victorian 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,” Ms Slatter said.
AFL Victoria CEO Greg Madigan said Road Safety Round had become an important part of the Victorian football calendar, bringing communities together around the shared goal of safer roads.
“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,” Mr Madigan said.
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