Free Public Transport For Clipsal Fans

Star V8 Supercars driver, Rick Kelly, took time out ofpreparations for this weekend's Clipsal 500 Adelaide to warn motorists of theperils of drink-driving.

The 30 year old has appealed for responsible roadbehaviour this weekend and pledged his support for the Motor AccidentCommission’s (MAC) road safety initiative.

Thanks to MAC, motorsport fans with a ticket to thisweekend’s race can travel to and from the event for free on any Adelaide Metrobus, train or tram.

Speaking at the launch, Rick Kelly said it’s concerningthat some people ignore the drink drive messages and are selfish enough to putthe lives of others at risk.

“There are just no excuses for drink driving. If you’replanning on drinking this weekend, plan an alternative way of getting home.It’s as simple as that,” Mr. Kelly said.

“Jack Daniel’s is a great supporter of my team and ofdriver safety, through its Pace Yourself. Drink Responsibly messaging.”

“As racing drivers we push the limit on the track, youwant to go as fast as you can, but when it comes to driving on the road it’sall about staying safe and making good decisions.

“One bad decision can change your life. You could lose amate or your own life.

“This is a great initiative by MAC. Not only is the freepublic transport great value, it also means you can have a few drinks and notworry about being over the limit,” Mr Kelly said.

MAC Chief Executive Officer, Jerome Maguire, said fanshave access to quality racing, fantastic concerts and now free public transportacross all four days of the race.

“There is an obvious cost saving for fans but it’s alsoimportant to recognise the road safety benefits associated with thisinitiative,” Mr. Maguire said.

“Motorsport fans can leave their keys at home andappreciate the race, and enjoy a few drinks without the need to drive home.

“It’s great to be in Adelaide at this time of the year,and we want people to enjoy their nights in the city, but also to stay safe,”

“Our city streets are bursting with activity from thisweekend. I urge all drivers to monitor their alcohol intake and all pedestriansto think carefully about their next step.

"Alcohol impairs processes critical to safe roaduse, such as vision and reaction time, it is also associated with impairedjudgement and so is often linked to other high-risk behaviours - such as notwearing a seat-belt.

Mr Maguire said people should not underestimate thefinancial consequences of drinking driving.

"People might be surprised to know a drunk driverwho suffers injury in a road crash may lose all or a substantial portion oftheir entitlements to Compulsory Third Party (CTP) compensation.

"MAC can also demand drink drivers to repay millionsof dollars to the CTP insurance fund for the costs incurred as a result of themseriously injuring a victim in a crash.

"Likewise, passengers who knowingly choose to drivewith an intoxicated person may be deemed negligent, and therefore may also havetheir CTP compensation reduced by as much as 50%. 

“These are not words designed for scare tactics sake.They’re designed for people to understand the real consequences of making poorchoices on the road.

“We are all responsible for our actions and the choiceswe make. Don’t be silly enough to believe that you’re immune to the devastatingeffects of road trauma,” Mr Maguire said.

Chief Executive of the SAMSB, Mark Warren, said theClipsal 500 Adelaide free public transport initiative supported by MAC is ofhuge benefit to all the fans that flock to the event.

“We urge patrons to make use of it and to take heed ofthe wise words of advice from V8 Supercar driver Rick Kelly when it comes toresponsible behaviour on the road,” Mr Warren said.

Motorsport fans and patrons should go to www.clipsal500.com.au or www.adelaidemetro.com.au forinformation on the free public transport service.