NSW Blues kick off road safety campaign ahead of State of Origin

The NSW State of Origin Team has teamed up with Transport for NSW as part of its road safety campaign.

League legends and Penrith premiership players Greg Alexander and Brad Fittler launched a new video for 2019 Knock-on Effect this week which deals with the tragic road death of Alexander's brother Ben in 1992.

The video highlights the tragic impact the crash had on their families and the wider rugby league community.

As part of the campaign, the NSW squad will today visit high schools across Sydney to speak about road safety and highlight that every decision made on the road matters - whether you’re the driver or a passenger.

Executive Director of the Centres for Road Safety and Maritime Safety, Bernard Carlon said the road safety partnership with NSW Rugby League is designed to tap into rugby league’s huge popularity across the state to deliver important road safety messages at a local level.

“Every 41 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on NSW roads. That’s about the time it takes to watch half a game of football,” said Carlon.

“Speeding remains the main cause of death and injuries on our roads, contributing to about 39 per cent of NSW road fatalities and more than 2,300 crashes injuring people last year, with driving tired and alcohol also playing a part in deaths and injuries on our roads," he said.

“The road is no place for excuses and we are asking everyone – drivers, riders, passengers and pedestrians – to think about the consequences of their actions.”

NSW Blues Coach Brad Fittler said he knows first-hand, speaking at an event in Bondi, how profound the impact a single decision on the road can have on an entire community.

“Too many people are dying or being seriously injured on our roads and it’s having a devastating ‘knock on effect’ on families and local communities,” said Fittler.

“The Knock-On Effect partnership is about getting the players out into communities to talk to people face to face about what is happening on their roads, in their communities, and how we can work together to make the right decisions on our roads.”

NSWRL Head of Commercial and Digital Jodie Cross said, “NSW Rugby League values our partnership with Transport for NSW as we believe Rugby League is a powerful platform to deliver important road safety messaging in the community.

“The popularity of the NSW Blues enables us to engage with a vast audience across NSW.”

(Image: Brad Fittler).