Ballarat woman's story of lost brother reinforcing road safety message

Ballarat resident Josie Postlethwaite shared the story of her brother Gareth Cozens' death as part of the TAC's new Left Unfinished campaign.

Mr Cozens died after falling asleep behind the wheel travelling from Birchip to Hopetoun in the early morning in 2010 having played a hard game of football the previous afternoon.

Ms Postlethwaite said her brother was in the prime of his life, but it was ended by just one decision.

"It was quite late at night so he actually got dropped home that night so he was a responsible kid and he got dropped home but he decided to get in the car after that and head off," she said.

"My mum always took the keys home... but he decided to go and catch up with some of his mates so it was about, we think, between two and three o'clock in the morning and just so similar a story to so many country boys.

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"We get complacent because there's not as much police presence on the country roads and they just think that it'll be right but it won't be."

Ms Postlethwaite said regional Victoria was over-represented in the road toll, with greater distances and higher speeds playing a factor, but athletes had to be especially careful after playing.

"I grew up in the country and it takes half an hour to get anywhere and we do have big, long, open roads that are long stretches and it's more dangerous than in your city driving, and you're travelling at higher speeds and there are so many more risks on country roads," she said.

"It was a really hot day that Gareth died, he'd played a really big game of footy, he was more tired than normal and had a few beers so you just can't underestimate how much playing a big game of footy or the heat and that sort of thing... and country roads are dangerous.

"We can say that it's the road conditions and the government should do more things, there's lots of excuses that you could use, but at the end of the day, everyone's responsible for their own choices and everyone needs to take their responsibility that if you're getting behind the wheel, you are choosing that you possibly if you're not getting behind the wheel in the right conditions, you're choosing the wrong choice."

The reminder comes as the TAC recently announced a $1.3 million grants program to reward clubs with up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety.

With Ms Postlethwaite previously playing netball at Skipton Football Netball Club, the club is very aware of the dangers of country roads and open about discussing it throughout the club.

President Andrew Bodman said following a year off, the club was looking to reinforce the messaging to players and supporters as the season approaches.

"It's about making sure everyone's doing the right thing, in good shape and looking out for each other, I suppose," he said.

"We know Josie, she played netball for us and her husband played for us so we have a connection with them and we try to be aware of these things.

"It's something we would be supporting 100 per cent in any way we can. We haven't sat the whole club down yet but that's something we will be doing.

"You take an interest in what's happening so people are safe. With the campaign, it just refocuses everyone's thoughts in that direction after a year off."

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