The players have been encouraged to don their L- and P-plates to drive to their game through a partnership with the Transport Accident Commission. 

Team talent manager Phil Partington said the players faced several long trips every season, so it was crucial to keep in mind that resting every few hours while on the road was key to staying awake, alert and alive. 

“Young drivers such as our players here at the Rebels may not have experience of driving long distances themselves,” he said.

TAC road safety project co-ordinator Samantha Buckis said research showed drivers were 30 times more likely to crash in the first six months of having their licence compared with their L-plates.

“Issues like driving long distances, coping with peer pressure, choosing a safe vehicle to buy and avoiding distractions such as mobile phones are all problems that young drivers face,” she said. 

Drivers aged between 18 and 25 make up about 12 per cent of Victorian licence holders, but account for about one in five road deaths across the state.

To find out more, visit saferpplaters.com.au.