The jumper, featuring a red seatbelt strip, was revealed today by Minister for the Respect Agenda and former AFL champion, Mr Justin Madden.
Essendon's Round 20 Road Safety match is one of a number of activation games being implemented by the Transport Accident Commission over the next month to recognise the 40th anniversary of the mandatory seatbelt legislation in Victoria. The legislation has saved countless lives around the world.
Essendon ruckman, David Hille, has lent his support to the campaign in the role of AFL ambassador, having been personally affected by road trauma.
Hille was aged 17 when he survived a crash on the Mornington Peninsula in 1998, in which eight teenagers were travelling in a vehicle before it collided with a tree. Three of the teenagers died.
""With eight young men loaded into one car, I took a ride that lasted less than a minute - unlicensed, without seatbelts and travelling at speed,"" Hille said.
""Three lives ended that day, five others changed forever.
""The smells of that day etched on my soul in a way only those who have been exposed to road trauma would understand.
""What is important to take from this campaign is that in wearing a seatbelt, you get to save a life.""
Essendon CEO Ian Robson said he hoped the seatbelt guernseys would remind supporters to buckle-up and drive safely.
""Research shows that seatbelts reduce the risk of a crash or serious injury by up to 50 per cent and if we can help reduce these stats by changing our guernsey to raise awareness, then that is what this club is about,"" Robson said.
""We have seen too many young people killed on the roads in collisions that could have been avoided so I ask everyone to heed the TAC's message this August and belt up.""
Last year, a quarter of drivers and passengers who died on our roads weren't wearing a seatbelt.
In many cases, speed and alcohol also featured in the crash – it's another reminder to young people to think twice about the choices you make before you get in a car.
The VFL and TAC Cup competitions are also backing the initiative, with the Bendigo Bombers, Coburg Tigers, Bendigo Pioneers and Oakleigh Chargers to wear seatbelt jumpers for their games across the weekend.
TAC Head of Community Relations Phil Reed encouraged football fans of all codes to support this weekend's Road Safety round and help put road safety awareness on the agenda.
""Every Victorian has a responsibility to keep our roads safe and you can start with the simple step of buckling up,"" he said.
The initiative will cross football codes with the Melbourne Victory also donning a seatbelt strip on Saturday night against Perth Glory.
