Footy and netball players aim for new road safety goal

More than 2,200 netball and football players across 20 regional centres in the Riverina will take to the courts and fields this weekend as part of the annual Road Safety Round.

Transport for NSW Regional Director South, Cassandra Ffrench said for the third year running Transport for NSW and AFL NSW/ACT were teaming up to promote the Towards Zero message and encouraged the sporting community to prioritise road safety on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August.

“The three biggest killers on NSW roads are speed, drink and drug driving, and fatigue,” Ms Ffrench said.

“We are reminding motorists about the importance of driving below the speed limit, driving to conditions, being well-rested before getting behind the wheel, and having a Plan B to safely get home.

“Clubs promoting conversations in a team environment is an important step towards creating a culture which puts road safety at the top of the ladder.

“We want everyone to get home safely to their loved ones, after training and after the game.”

Ms French said during Road Safety Round players would wear Towards Zero socks to serve as a reminder that crashes can be prevented and lives can be saved by making safe choices.

“So far this year, more than 200 people have lost their lives on NSW roads and almost 70 per cent of those have been on regional roads.

“Transport for NSW will be at two games over the weekend to promote the Towards Zero message and to talk with community members about the importance of road safety.

“Join us at Wagga’s McPherson Oval on 3 August for the North Wagga and Northern Jets game, and at Ganmain Sportsground on 4 August for the match between Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong and Mangoplah-Cookardinia United.”

For more information on road safety visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety