The Transport Accident Commission is ensuring punters heading to a country Victorian race meet get home safely with a new $40,000 grant program.
The TAC is entering its 12th season as a partner with Country Racing Victoria and is offering the Towards Zero Safe Travel grants to partnering race clubs.
TAC engagement senior manager Megan Jacobs said the country racing season was a major drawcard in rural communities across the state and the TAC’s partnership with Country Racing Victoria helped ensure the safety of people attending.
“We want everyone heading out to any country race meets this season to have a great day out and that includes getting home safely to their loved ones,” she said.
“In the excitement of the race day, it can be hard to keep track of how much alcohol you’ve consumed; these grants will make it easy for people to ensure they’ve got a safe way home no matter what.
“We all need to take responsibility for our actions and look out for each other on race day and every other day if we want a future where no person dies or is seriously hurt on our roads.”
Ms Jacobs said the grants would help the race clubs supply shuttle buses for their main race days, providing a safe option to patrons who planned on having a drink.
The TAC will be at 73 race meetings across the state this season, offering free breath testing, giving out free water and sharing information on getting home safely by planning ahead.
