Western Bulldogs players will join together to send a strong message about road safety as they run through the banner for this Sunday’s game against Port Adelaide in Ballarat.

The Bulldogs have partnered with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to support Towards Zero, Victoria’s plan for a future free of deaths and serious injuries on Victorian roads.

Each of the 22 players selected for Sunday’s game at Mars Stadium will run out in a number zero guernsey, reinforcing the message that zero is the only acceptable number of deaths on Victoria’s road.

“We are delighted to partner with the TAC, and to be associated with such a significant campaign aimed at keeping our community safe,” said Bulldogs’ CEO Ameet Bains.

“It’s important that we support the great work the TAC does to keep our roads safer, particularly this weekend as many of our members and fans will travel to Ballarat for the match.

“We are proud that our players have embraced the opportunity to send a strong message about the importance of road safety by wearing the number zero on their backs as they run onto the field.

“Football clubs are privileged to have a platform to advocate from on important community issues, and we are determined to support this critical road safety message.”

The Bulldogs’ match day partnership with the TAC is about engaging with Victorians on road safety issues and how Victoria’s Towards Zero plan aims to make road trauma a thing of the past.

“Football is an important part of us reaching the community in working Towards Zero and this partnership allows us to highlight how we all have a role to play in keeping people safe on our roads,” said TAC Head of Community Relations, Amanda Bavin.

“We are pleased to join with the Western Bulldogs, local Ballarat football and netball teams, and the wider community in highlighting that zero is the only acceptable number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads.” 

Encouraging Victorians to make safe choices on the roads is just one part of Towards Zero.  The plan also includes $340 million allocated for infrastructure improvements on high-speed rural roads, including 2000 kilometres of safety barriers.

Last year, 109 of the 155 people who died on Victorian rural roads were in vehicles that left their lane and crashed into roadside trees or poles, or another vehicle.

Research shows flexible barriers reduce these types of crashes from happening by more than 85%.