A Personal Journey of Loss and Advocacy
Patrick Dangerfield, the captain of the Geelong Football Club, has always been more than just a sports icon. He’s also a passionate advocate for road safety, driven by a deeply personal story that shaped his life and career. His journey into this cause began with the tragic loss of his uncle, Tim, in a drink-driving accident over 29 years ago.
This experience has left an indelible mark on Dangerfield and his family. At just six years old, he witnessed how one moment could change everything. “My uncle died when he was 20, and it reshaped our entire family,” he shared. “It was something my mom never got over.”
The incident occurred in the mid-1990s when Tim was involved in a car accident while under the influence of alcohol. Although he wasn’t the one who caused the crash, he was driving through a red light when another driver ran the light and struck him. “He shouldn’t have been on the road to begin with,” Dangerfield reflected. “Then, through a set of circumstances and poor road management, he ended up passing away.”
Despite the tragedy, there was a silver lining. Tim’s organs were donated, which brought some comfort to the family and helped others. “It had a positive consequence for other families,” Dangerfield noted. “But you can see it yourself now with kids and their limited attention spans.”
The Importance of Responsibility
Dangerfield believes that the impact of individual actions on others cannot be overstated. He emphasizes the importance of responsibility behind the wheel, especially for those who are parents or role models. “People drive past an accident and you can be angry or stressed about it because you’re late to work, but it has affected an entire community or family,” he said.
“When that happens to someone you know, your world is changed forever.” This sentiment drives his message around road safety. He encourages people to reflect on their behavior and the example they set for others, particularly children. “Be a good role model to your kids. They see everything,” he added.
Dangerfield is also critical of distracted driving, pointing out how common it is to see people on their phones or texting while driving. “The amount of people I see on their phones or texting and driving is amazing,” he said. “If you’re a terrible driver, pull your head in.”
Spreading the Message
As an ambassador for AFL Victoria’s Road Safety Round, Dangerfield is using his platform to spread awareness about the dangers of reckless driving. This weekend, community clubs and the 10 AFL teams in Victoria will wear blue armbands to honor lives lost on the roads.
For Dangerfield, the campaign is about more than just raising awareness—it’s about honoring those impacted by road trauma and encouraging positive change. “It’s about having honest conversations with those around you and doing it in a positive way,” he explained.
The message is clear: road safety starts with each individual. By exhibiting good behavior and living by the rules, people can make a difference. “You can only talk about it if you exhibit good behavior and live by it,” Dangerfield emphasized.
Looking Ahead
This Saturday night, the Geelong Cats, currently sitting in the top four, will face North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. While the game is a highlight for fans, it also serves as a reminder of the broader mission that Dangerfield carries with him.
Through his advocacy, he continues to inspire others to think about the consequences of their actions and to take responsibility for their choices on the road. His story is a powerful testament to the lasting impact of one person’s tragedy and the potential for positive change through awareness and education.
