Premier urges Victorians - sign up to slow down on the roads this summer

12 Dec 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: 12 December 2011

Victorians will be asked to leave their fast balls on the cricket pitch this summer in a TAC social media campaign launched at the MCG today by Premier Ted Baillieu.

The TAC Slow Ball Challenge is fronted by Melbourne's two Twenty20 Big Bash teams, the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades, and asks sports fans everywhere to sign up to slow down on the roads.

Mr Baillieu said the facebook campaign had been developed as part of the Victorian Coalition Government's ongoing commitment to making speeding socially unacceptable.

"Every year about 100 people die in crashes involving speed, yet too many Victorians still exceed the limit," Mr Baillieu said.

"This campaign says it's not okay to speed and by taking part in the Slow Ball Challenge you and your mates are showing your commitment to looking after each other on the roads.

"We know open discussions between friends and families can have a greater impact than being told what to do by the authorities," Mr Baillieu said.
To take part in the Slow Ball Challenge visit www.facebook.com/slowballchallenge and follow the prompts to create your virtual cricket team and sign up to slow down on the roads this summer.

By sharing a team on facebook, young Victorians are showing their mates your commitment to slowing down, and could win the chance to play cricket at the MCG on 19 January.

Mr Baillieu said this unique campaign was yet another initiative to engage young people in thinking about road safety, and sharing a road safety message with their mates.

"I really hope young people listen to these cricketers fronting the campaign, and follow their lead in driving responsibly. I urge all Victorians to have a conversation with the people they love about road safety so we all stay safe on the roads this summer," Mr Baillieu said.

"The Coalition Government will continue to promote road safety via channels that young people use and engage with."