Road safety message to be spread through footy clubs

THE Transport Accident Commission has struck a new partnership with AFL Victoria, with a stronger focus on engaging the almost 250,000 people involved in grassroots regional and metropolitan football.

The partnership will engage grassroots football clubs through road safety education and training programs, and spectators with a TAC presence and activities at games across the state.

The extension of the AFL Victoria partnership means that the TAC will no longer be affiliated with the AFL’s national under-18 talent pathway.

Instead, the TAC will take road safety education and awareness to the more than 170,000 participants and 78,000 volunteers involved in 1100 clubs across Victoria.

TAC chief executive officer Joe Calafiore said local football clubs were the hub of their communities and an ideal partner to help work Towards Zero – Victoria’s plan to reduce the number of lives lost and serious injuries on our roads.

“We’re rapt to be taking road safety to local football and netball clubs, which have such a big community presence, particularly in regional areas which remain tragically overrepresented in the number of deaths on Victorian roads.

“Teaming up with AFL Victoria will play an important role in encouraging people to practice safe driving and appreciate that everyone has a role to play in making our roads safe.”

AFL Victoria chief executive officer Steven Reaper said the extended partnership enabled even greater avenues for the TAC to deliver their important messages to communities across the state.

“Via this new partnership we will work with the TAC, our commissions, leagues and local clubs to help prevent deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

“We have had a fantastic relationship with the TAC through our talent program. The next phase is to create even more opportunities for everyone involved in football clubs, whether you are a player, coach, volunteer or supporter, to play a role in supporting Towards Zero.”