The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Country Racing Victoria (CRV) have joined forces for the “Ready” campaign, a statewide effort to ensure racegoers get home safely from country racing events. The campaign focuses on the dangers of driving after drinking, highlighting how alcohol can impair perception, vision, concentration and reaction time. By avoiding drink driving, up to 50 lives could be saved each year on Victoria’s roads, with the message clear: if we all get home safely, everyone wins.

The campaign’s content features “Everyday Heroes” from Ballarat who play important roles in making race day happen, including a horse handler, an operations manager and a designated driver. Their stories serve as reminders that planning a safe trip home is just as important as the event itself. With more than half of Victoria’s 2024 road fatalities occurring in regional areas, and 282 lives lost in total, the need for action is urgent.

Practical advice is a key part of the initiative. Many regional race venues have limited public transport, so attendees are encouraged to arrange a designated driver, book accommodation nearby or secure a taxi, rideshare or shuttle bus in advance. CRV lists transport options for each race day on its website, and the TAC Safe Travel Grant program helps fund shuttle buses at selected venues. Those caught drink driving in Victoria face severe penalties, including loss of licence, mandatory behaviour change programs, alcohol interlock devices and even jail for the most serious offences.

The “Ready” campaign will run on social media, in race book advertisements and at more than 20 Country Cups. TAC staff will be present at events to share information, promote safe transport choices and offer racegoers the chance to win $500 fuel vouchers. Backed by the Victorian Government’s $1.1 billion Road Safety Action Plan 2, the campaign underscores a simple but lifesaving message: if you’re going to drink, plan not to drive.

Find more from Transport Accident Commission (Australia, January 2025)