New Essendon, Victory jumpers to highlight seatbelt safety

10 Aug 2010

MEDIA RELEASE: 10 August 2010

Sports fans are being urged to support the first ever Road Safety Round this weekend with specially designed jumpers highlighting seatbelt safety to be worn by Essendon Football Club, Melbourne Victory, Bendigo Bombers, Bendigo Pioneers, Coburg Tigers and Oakleigh Chargers.

Launching the new jumpers which feature a seatbelt in their design with Essendon ruckman David Hille, Minister for the Respect Agenda Justin Madden said the new strip would remind people of the life-saving importance of wearing seatbelts.

"Victoria led the world 40 years ago in making seatbelts compulsory," Mr Madden said.

"Today, belting up as you get in a car is something most of us do by instinct. There is no doubt this legislation has saved thousands of lives, but some people still haven't got the message.

"Each year approximately 50 people die on our roads who were not wearing seatbelts.  We hope these special jumpers will motivate fans and remind people to always buckle-up and drive safely.

"The simple act of wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of serious injury by half."

Mr Madden and David Hille today revealed an altered Essendon Football Club jumper which Essendon players will wear in their clash against Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night.

"This is the first significant change the club has made to their jumper and as a former player I'm proud to share this historic moment," Mr Madden said.

"Melbourne Victory will also make history as the first A-League club to change their jumper for a good cause and for their first home game against Perth Glory at AAMI Park.

"The VFL and TAC Cup competitions are also backing the initiative, with the Bendigo Bombers, Coburg Tigers, Bendigo Pioneers and Oakleigh Chargers to don seatbelt jumpers for their games across the weekend."

Mr Madden said the inaugural Road Safety Round had been dedicated as part of a month-long Transport Accident Commission campaign to mark the 40th anniversary of the new seatbelt laws.

"Sadly, last year a quarter of drivers and passengers who died on our roads weren't wearing a seatbelt," Mr Madden said.
 
"David Hille survived a crash 12 years ago in which three young men died.
 
"His story is a reminder to young people in particular, to respect each other by looking out for each other on the road.

Mr Madden today launched two new sporting-based advertisements highlighting seatbelt safety which will also premiere during the Road Safety Round.

View on the TAC Seatbelt Safety page