It’s the South Australian AFL rivalry that divides families and friends, but the Marshall Liberal Government is calling for footy fans to put their differences aside and work together to tackle bad driving behaviour ahead of this weekend’s Showdown clash.
As the state plunges into a footy frenzy, the Marshall Government has once again partnered with Port Adelaide and the Adelaide Crows to remind South Australians to Think! Road Safety.
The Power’s 2020 club champion Darcy Byrne-Jones and Crows backman Jake Kelly have pushed rivalry aside, joining Road Safety Minister Vincent Tarzia to emphasise that lives lost and serious injuries are preventable.
“Footy is life for many South Australians but ignore road safety and your life could be cut short,” Minister Tarzia said.
“Every road user has a responsibility to tackle bad driving behaviour to prevent further lives lost and serious injuries. There are no excuses.
“You need to make good decisions in football and it’s no different on the road. Spare a few seconds this week and honestly evaluate your behaviour. It could save your life or someone else’s.”
In conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Port Adelaide and the Crows, the Marshall Government launched a new road safety awareness campaign at the beginning of the 2021 AFL season.
The 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.
Players Byrne-Jones and Kelly said the campaign focuses on two crucial themes: “Handball your keys, don’t drink and drive” and “Keep your head in the game, don’t drive distracted.”
“I can’t wait to play in front of a packed Adelaide Oval, but please, if you’re driving to or from the game – play your part and drive safely,” Mr Byrne-Jones said.
“If you’ve had a beer, hand over your keys, there’s no point risking your life or anyone else’s,” he said.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said Adelaide Metro is providing free and full dedicated bus, train and tram services to and from Adelaide Oval diehard fans.
“The atmosphere at Adelaide Oval will be incredible for the Showdown this weekend and the Think! Road Safety Footy Express initiative provides ample services – throughout the AFL season – for every supporter to enjoy the game and get home safe,” Minister Wingard said.
“Plan your trip with our new dedicated Think! Road Safety Footy Express journey planner. Discover your closest service and preferred travel periods in real time and enjoy the game safely.”
The Crows’ Jake Kelly says this provides the perfect option for a safe trip home.
“Make the most of this free public transport, so you can sit back, relax and cheer on your club,” he said.
“It’ll save you the time, and ensure you get home safely.”
Video and key messaging is displayed on the super-screens at all Adelaide Oval games for each club. Thought-provoking posters are on show in toilets while LED stadium ribbons circulate upper-level stadium seats during games.
The Fatal Five causes of lives lost are speeding, drink/drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, distraction and dangerous driving.
