Road Safety Awareness Round

The inaugural Northern Tasmanian Football Association Road Safety Round is set to drive home the simple but important message that safe road users save lives.

Bringing together more than 1300 players across all ages, this weekend’s NTFA round aims to raise awareness about the importance of being a responsible road user, whether driving, riding or walking.

“It has been a terrible year on our roads, just seven months into the year and we’re already on the brink of surpassing last year’s total road deaths - it’s a tragic and unacceptable milestone that continues to have a ripple effect through all communities,” said the Chair of the Road Safety Advisory Council, Scott Tilyard.

“Local football is at the heart of many Tasmanian communities, especially in regional areas. Partnering with clubs through a road safety football round gives us a unique opportunity to have real conversations, not only with young players but with their families, friends and supporters.”

This year 28 people have died on Tasmania’s roads and more than 170 have been seriously injured. Last year 31 people were killed as a result of road crashes across the state.

Young road users aged 16 to 25 continue to be overrepresented in Tasmania’s crash statistics.

“Our football community is like a family, we celebrate together, we look out for each other and we all want our players, volunteers and supporters to get home safely every day,” said NTFA President The Hon Peter Gutwein.

“By teaming up with the Road Safety Advisory Council, we’re using this road safety round to remind people to think about how they use the roads. Small choices can make a big difference.”

The Road Safety Advisory Council will provide Best on Ground vouchers and distribute educational merchandise to players, encouraging them to scan a QR code linking to a powerful new Tasmanian road safety video. Produced in partnership with the Hawthorn Football Club and narrated by Hawthorn vice-captain Dylan Moore, the video features Launceston-based first responders and offers a confronting look at rsac.tas.gov.au Page 2 of 2the aftermath of serious road crashes. Players who answer three simple questions after watching the video will go into the draw to win prizes.

“These stories are a powerful reminder that one moment of distraction, impatience or poor judgement on the road can change everything. If the worst happens, it’s remarkable first responders like these people who you hope are there, the ones who can save your life,” said Mr Tilyard.

“We hope this video sparks important conversations and reminds drivers of all ages just how serious the consequences of risky driving behaviours can be.”

As part of this weekend’s road safety round, the RACT’s powerful crash car installation will be on site at UTAS Stadium.

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Media Inquiries

Amy Pennington

6166 3240

amy.pennington@stategrowth.tas.gov.au

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NTFA – Damian Jones General Manager

Ph 0473 100 052

generalmanager@ntfa.org.a

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