Rugby League aims to save lives on country roads

In the lead up to the final City-Country clash, the Government turned their focus to tackling road safety in the country.

This year the government will spend a record $253 million on road safety initiatives in NSW and people in the country can expect to see additional education and awareness campaigns.

Launched before the Country origin team’s tour of the Central West, the Knock-on Effect campaign focuses on raising awareness about the effects road trauma is having on communities, encouraging people to make safer choices behind the wheel.

NRL Chief Executive Officer Todd Greenberg commended the NSW Government on their increased efforts in aiming to reduce the number of road fatalities across the State.

“It is always devastating to hear of any injury or loss of life on our roads, particularly when in some cases, an accident could have been avoided,” Mr Greenberg said.

“Wherever we can use the collective voice of the NRL, NSWRL and CRL in partnership with the NSW Government to persuade change for the better and in this case, to remind people to be safe whilst driving, we’re only too happy to be part of a change for good.”

Country Rugby League Chief Executive Officer Terry Quinn said the latest statistics should serve as a reminder of the importance of road safety in regional areas.

“These are alarming statistics which need to be addressed and it’s great to see the NRL, NSWRL and CRL working together with the NSW Government to tackle this issue,” Mr Quinn said.

“Rugby League is part of the social fabric of many country towns and we’re hopeful that by promoting road safety awareness through our game, we can help to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on country roads.”

The ‘Knock-on’ Effect campaign got underway with the NRL Country Roadshow visiting schools and communities in Orange, Bathurst and Mudgee ahead of the NRL City vs Country match in Mudgee this weekend.

Players from both Country and City teams visited schools and communities as part of the roadshow and in the lead up to the match.