Female footballers the face of TAC online campaign for the first time

18 Sep 2014

Victoria's brightest young female footballers are the face of a new TAC social media campaign, urging drivers and pedestrians not to be distracted while on the road.

This is the first time female footballers have been called on to share important road safety messages.

Players from Sandringham Dragons, Calder Cannons and North Ballarat Rebels' youth girls academies have come together to feature in the clips, to be used primarily used through the TAC's social media channels.

Each video illustrates in a light-hearted way how being distracted can seriously impair various activities, be it wearing headphones, using a mobile phone or holding a smoothie while carrying out drills at footy training.

TAC chief executive officer Janet Dore said the innovative videos emphasised the crucial role women played as peer leaders and influencers in their social circles.

 "Despite the fact men account for the majority of road deaths, women have a vital role to play in tackling this problem," Ms Dore said.

"Encouraging men and other women to take their driving seriously is key in making everyone's journey a safe one."

While four in five drivers and pedestrians killed on Victorian roads in the first eight months of this year were male, almost half of all passengers killed were female.

"While these clips are great fun, there's a very serious underlying message," Ms Dore said.

"Being distracted is one of several leading causes of road trauma, especially for younger people, so it is vital that everyone understands distractions lead to disaster."

Women's football is the fastest growing participation area of Australian Rules across the country.

Its growing popularity has seen the number of AFL Victoria Youth Girls Academies increase to five for 2015, with the potential for up to eight by 2016. These academies ensure the state's best under-18 girls footballers can train with their local TAC Cup clubs.

Like the TAC Cup, the girls involved take part in road safety programs including club and community-based driving activities.

Earlier this year, the TAC earlier formed a three-year partnership with AFL Victoria to support these academies, fostering strong leadership skills for young women on and off the field.

View all the videos on YouTube