This weekend, we will again ‘band together’ to support the AFL Victoria and TAC Victoria Road Safety Round, donning blue armbands to honour the lives touched by road trauma and promote road safety in our community.
Our focus this year is on distracted driving. Drivers are 10 times more at risk of crashing if they are texting, browsing, or emailing on their mobile phones. Alarming statistics show that one-third of drivers admit to using their phone illegally while driving, and another third of pedestrians admit to looking at their phone while crossing the road.
Distractions extend beyond mobile phones and include GPS devices, passengers, and even eating, all of which can take your attention away from the road. Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your crash risk. At 50 km/h, you will travel 28 meters in those two seconds, approximately the length of a cricket pitch.
The penalty for using your mobile device while driving is a $577 fine and four demerit points. However, the real risk is putting yourself and others at harm.
That’s why we are encouraging everyone to sign our pledge to turn on the ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ function on their phones. By supporting road safety, you can help our club earn up to $10,000. Let’s all stay focused and safe on the roads!
Stay safe,
Mark Stanley
St Mary’s Seniors Football & Netball Club President
SMFNC 