Handball your keys, keep your head in the game and Think! Road Safety

Friday 19 March, 2021

The Marshall Liberal Government has once again partnered with the state’s AFL teams to remind South Australians to Think! Road Safety throughout this year’s footy season.

Putting some rivalry aside, the Adelaide Football Club and Port Adelaide Football club have joined forces, teaming up with the Marshall Government to prevent further lives lost and serious injuries.

The new road safety awareness campaign has a specific focus on drink driving and distraction – both Fatal Five factors – due to the links between alcohol consumption and spectator sport, and mobile phone use behind the wheel.

“South Australian football fans are some of the most passionate in Australia,” Road Safety Minister Vincent Tarzia said.

“Fans are dedicated to supporting the Crows and Power no matter the result. We’re asking them to show the same dedication to road safety to prevent further lives lost and serious injuries on our roads.

“The message is clear – handball your keys, don’t drink and drive. Keep your head in the game, don’t drive distracted.

“You need to make good decisions in footy. It’s no different on the road.

“Remember these messages because they will save your life and the lives of others – that’s the best win of all.”

Crows key defender Daniel Talia and versatile Power backman Darcy Byrne-Jones will help raise awareness as Road Safety Ambassadors this season.

“If you’re driving to the game, or home after, just keep your eyes on the road. You have to play your part to keep our roads safe,” Byrne-Jones said.

Talia said: “We can’t wait to see a big crowd of our members and fans at the game again but encourage everyone to take care on their way to and from the game and make the most of free public transport on offer.”

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said having the Think! Road Safety Footy Express services kick back into gear from this weekend will help footy fans think about road safety.

“Adelaide Metro will provide full dedicated bus, train and tram services for the AFL season transporting football fans to and from Adelaide Oval for free,” Minister Wingard said.

“We know that from the season launch last night right through until September the atmosphere at Adelaide Oval will be amazing and we want to make sure footy fans get home safe and sound after the final siren.

“Get your transport information in real time before you head to the game by using our new dedicated Think! Road Safety Footy Express journey planner, to be launched in the coming weeks, to find your closest service and best travel times.”

Video and key messaging will be displayed on the super-screens at all home games for each club. Thought-provoking posters will be on show in toilets while LED stadium ribbons will circulate upper-level stadium seats in front of up to 40,000 people.

The Crows take on Geelong tomorrow at Adelaide Oval, while the Power hosts its first home game against Essendon on Saturday, 27 March.

The Fatal Five causes of lives lost are speeding, drink/drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, distraction and dangerous driving.