Transport Accident Commission head of road safety Samantha Cockfield recently joined with AFL Victoria and members of the Rumbalara Football Netball Club in Shepparton to launch this year’s TAC Club Rewards Program.
The program rewards grassroots football and netball clubs with up to $10,000 for their efforts to promote road safety in their clubs and communities.
In its fourth year, the program has provided more than $2.3 million to hundreds of Victorian football and netball clubs, which has helped with a range of initiatives, including facility improvements, the purchase of new equipment, training for members and offering safe transport from club events.
Ms Cockfield said this year’s program would encourage clubs to start conversations about the dangers of distracted driving, and the importance of remaining focused on the road.
Driving while distracted, particularly looking at a mobile phone, is one of the leading causes of trauma on Victoria’s roads, and research shows a driver’s risk of crashing doubles when they take their eyes off the road for just two seconds.
“Too many people have died on our roads this year, and we know that distracted driving is a key and prevalent issue among young to middle-aged drivers, thousands of whom spend many hours at local sporting clubs every week,” Ms Cockfield said.
“Victoria’s football and netball clubs are often at the heart of their communities and prioritising road safety within local clubs could be the reason someone gets home safely, instead of a tragic alternative.”
Rumbalara Football Netball Club received $10,000 through last year’s program.
The club provides a driver mentor program to help members gain their licence and offers road safety education to junior members.
Last year, 150 clubs from across Victoria received a share of $500,000 through the program by showing initiative in promoting road safety in their clubs and communities.
For more information, visit: www.aflvic.com.au/TACClubRewards
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