Local clubs commit to road safety

ALL 10 clubs in the Bellarine Football League (BFL) will don blue armbands this weekend to commit to eliminating death and serious injury on Victorian roads.

The state government in partnership with AFL Victoria and TAC has officially launched the third annual Road Safety Round with local clubs across the region to join 1,000 more across the state to take up the call.

“Road Safety is an important issue for us at Anglesea Football Club,” Anglesea Kangaroos captain Ash Caldwell said.

“Some of us travel long distances and at high-speeds to get to and from our games and training so we understand we need to take road safety seriously.”

One hundred and thirty-five people have died on Victorian roads to today (July 14), with 77 of those in regional areas – a concerning rise on the 59 regional deaths at the same time last year.

There has also been a rise in young people dying on Victorian roads, with the number of lives lost in the 18 to 25 age group currently at 24, compared to 16 this time last year.

“This round just highlights to us the importance of raising road safety awareness,” Torquay Tigers captain Ben Raidme said.

“Particularly with a lot of young men, women and kids learning to drive in our club, it’s really important that we are a united front in driving home that safety message throughout the club.”

Road Safety Round games will also take place in the BFL’s neighbouring competitions.

Teams in both the Geelong Football League and Geelong & District Football League are also expected to participate in Road Safety Round.

Clubs can expand their role in TAC Road Safety Round by promoting road safety to their community as part of the TAC Club Rewards Program.

All AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs who take part in the program will get the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in funding.

Find out more about TAC and AFL Victoria Road Safety Round at www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/band-together/band-together.