SGIC State Manager Ms Lee Jameson says Fridays are the worst day of the week for collisions* and is urging drivers, particularly those heading away for the long weekend to be patient and focus their attention on driving safely.
The call is even more critical with wet weather expected.
“Friday always tends to be busier on our roads with work and school finishing and then some people rushing off to their weekend destination,” Ms Jameson said. “And this Friday, with many expecting to take advantage of the long weekend, there will be even more drivers on the road.”
To promote the safer driving message Power players Brett Ebert, Steven Salopek and Jacob Surjan along with Thunderbirds player Beth Shimmin and Netball SA CEO Stephanie Greene have undertaken a driver training course this morning and taken part in a low speed skills demonstration at ETSA Park.
The driver training focused on concentration and basic road safety skills.
“With inattention a major factor in road car crashes, the Port Adelaide Football Club and Adelaide Thunderbirds support SGIC in urging everyone to take care on the road at all times,” say Greene and Power Chief Executive Mark Haysman.
SGIC claims data indicates women are safer drivers than men, with men five per cent more likely to make a car insurance claim than women, and when they do the average cost is higher – making men a greater risk (6 per cent) compared to women.
The data was put to the test in the fun demonstration with a serious message, with the girls indeed winning two of the three driving challenges.
Power player Brett Ebert says the need for young men in particular to drive carefully is critical.
“There are too many young lives being ended or seriously damaged by either a lack of concentration or just plain stupidity on our roads, with excessive speed or even drag racing,” Ebert says.
“South Australia's roads aren't a sporting arena – I really urge young people to save the idea of competition for the footy field or the netball court, and ease off their speed.”
The insurer said collisions spike on Fridays by around 17 per cent above average, with the peak hour of 3pm to 5pm being the worst time.
“This increase in the volume of traffic on our roads means we should all be a little more cautious. This includes being aware of traffic and weather conditions, and above all, staying calm.
“It’s better to be patient and focus your attention on safe driving rather than end your week and add to your stress with a crash.”
SGIC is the match-day sponsor of the Power's home game against Fremantle on Saturday night. That match is the second leg of a Power-Thunderbirds 'double-header' in Adelaide this weekend, with the T'Birds taking on New Zealand's Mystics on Saturday afternoon.
The two teams are offering a special 'double-header' offer for families to attend both matches. For just $51 a family (2 adults, 2 children) will get entry to both games – a saving of $46.
These Family Double-Header tickets are exclusively available direct from the Port Adelaide footy club by phoning 1-300-GO-POWER.
