The Rip Curl Pro is helping discourage young people from using a phone while driving on land and water.
The World Surf League event at Bells Beach, from Friday, April 18, to Monday, April 28, will feature the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) campaign highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.
TAC chief executive Tracey Slatter said the campaign compared texting while surfing and the dangers of phone use while driving.
“We know that mobile phone distractions are a major contributor to road trauma and this new campaign is a unique and engaging way of reminding people of the dangers,” she said.
“Driving is a complex task that requires our full attention, so the best way to avoid being distracted by our phones is to put them away altogether or activate the ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ function.”
According to TAC research, young people were more likely to use their phones while driving, with 55 per cent of 18–25-year-olds and 66 per cent of 26–39-year-olds admitting to the behaviours.
Surfing Victoria chief executive Adam Robertson said surfers regularly travelled to beaches on the state’s regional road network, with higher rates of fatal and serious injury crashes.
“We are proud to partner with the TAC and help spread road safety messages to surfers and surf fans across the state,” he said.
“We know that surfers spend a lot of time driving searching for waves. This campaign will help drive awareness of the risks of distracted driving.”
TAC’s presence at the Rip Curl Pro will include an interactive activity where participants attempt to play a video game while being challenged with distractions.
