TAC Weighs in on Rewarding Car Jockeys

18 Oct 2013

Designated drivers will be celebrated at this year’s Geelong Cup and could potentially win a once in a lifetime opportunity thanks to the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Car Jockey promotion.

Race-goers who commit to being the designated driver or ‘Car Jockey’ and sign up on Facebook before the Cup will be able to enjoy a day of privileges with access to a VIP Car Jockey marquee and free soft drinks.

The Car Jockeys will also go in the running to win a trip with their friends to the final race meeting of the season in a stretch Hummer.

The promotion is part of the TAC’s on-course presence at the Cup on Wednesday October 23, which aims to encourage and reward race-goers who put their hand up to not drink and drive.

Having had breath testing teams at race meetings for the past five years, the TAC is ramping up its support and CEO Janet Dore said she hoped it would result in less drink driving offences.

“Drink driving remains one of the biggest killers on Victorian roads, with around 25 per cent of all drivers or riders killed having a blood alcohol limit over 0.05,” Ms Dore said.

“This is absolutely unacceptable and we will continue to trial new initiatives to reduce this tragic figure,” Ms Dore said.

Race-goers wanting to get involved in the Car Jockey promotion should visit the Country Racing Facebook page before the Geelong Cup and sign up for their chance to win a place in the VIP marquee on Cup day.

The Car Jockey idea was born following TAC research which showed that regional drivers were more likely to drink and drive than residents in Metropolitan Melbourne.

Regional drivers’ said they ran the risk of drink driving if they felt there was no other way to get home, their trip home hadn’t been planned or that they were a good driver and in control – regardless of having consumed alcohol.

“The TAC’s advice is to plan your day at the races well in advance and if you are planning to drink, plan not to drive,” Ms Dore said.

“We know that after a busy race day in Geelong there is public transport on offer, but for the many who may be travelling by car in other directions, we’re encouraging and rewarding designated drivers who choose to do the right thing and help get their mates home safely.”

In addition to the Car Jockey promotion at the Geelong Cup, the TAC breath testing team will be on course to help race-goers avoid drink driving.