Just as ‘travelling’ is a bad move on a basketball court, it’s also a bad idea to travel on the road when you’re tired, a new road safety campaign is warning country players.
Roads and Maritime Services and Basketball NSW have teamed up to launch the campaign, which highlights that about 70 per cent of fatal crashes on country roads involve local residents.
Roads and Maritime Services Acting Director South West NSW Nicola Gentle said the statistic is important for Western and Southern League junior basketballers and their families, who clock up hours of travel across the state each weekend during the season.
“While country residents make up only one-third of the NSW population, two-thirds of all fatalities occur on country roads,” Ms Gentle said.
“Despite the fact that the majority of fatalities on country roads are local residents, research shows motorists often resist the notion that the way they drive puts themselves or others at risk.
“There is also a tendency for people to be complacent, over confident and less aware of risks when they’re driving on familiar roads.”
Roads and Maritime staff will be spreading the important message at the Southern Junior League finals at Albury’s Lauren Jackson Sports Centre on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May, with an interactive road safety quiz and promotional material.
“Local people often take risks on country roads, but the road is no place for excuses,” Ms Gentle said.
“Just one bad decision can end in tragic consequences for you, your team mates, your family and your community,” Ms Gentle said
If you can’t make it to the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre on 18 and 19 May, test your tired self at www.testyourtiredself.com.au