Cricket fans will continue to see important road safety messages supporting the upcoming season thanks to the continuing partnership between Queensland Cricket and the Queensland Government.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the renewal of the partnership for a third innings would put road safety at the top of the order for the summer of cricket.
"Our partnership with Queensland Cricket over the last two years has been enormously successful, and we are excited to build on its success," Mr Bailey said.
"This year’s expanded sponsorship will see Transport and Main Road’s (TMR) summer road safety campaign named as the Innings Break Presenting Partner again at all Brisbane Heat Big Bash League home games during the 2018-19 season.
"This includes five matches at the Gabba in Brisbane, and for the first time two matches played at Metricon Stadium.
"TMR is also the major partner of the 2019 Secondary Schools T20 State Challenge which involves about 1200 high school students across Queensland."
Mr Bailey said death and road trauma was a major public health issue, with 247 people dying on Queensland roads last year.
"Consider that number in a different way – it is almost the equivalent to losing one person from each cricket club in Queensland," Mr Bailey said.
"Our partnership with Queensland Cricket help us spread the road safety message during one of the busiest times on Queensland roads.
"Last year during the Christmas and New Year’s period, 10 people died, and a further 187 were seriously injured on our roads.
"Cricket is, at its heart, a family and community sport and what is more important than keeping our families safe on the roads?
"We will be sharing road safety messages across all levels of the sport - from the kids learning to play cricket up in the Cape, all the way down to the fans heading out to the Big Bash League in Brisbane.
"This is a problem we can solve by working together as a team."
Queensland Cricket will continue to support TMR’s road safety education and awareness initiatives throughout 2018-19.
High profile players will support key road safety events, including Queensland Road Safety Week, and fans will also be reminded about safe travel at key events throughout the season.
During its annual Regional Tour in mid-2019, Queensland Cricket will deliver road safety messages as part of school and community visits right across Queensland.
