Paralympian rower Alexandra Viney’s road warning ahead of Grand Final Day

Alexandra Viney was involved in a high-speed car accident caused by a drunk driver, but she doesn’t want your sympathy — she wants the dangerous behaviour to stop.

Paralympian Alexandra Viney is urging people to be safe on the roads this long weekend. Picture: Aaron Francis

Alexandra Viney was just 18, a promising young rower and about to celebrate her high school graduation when she was involved in a high-speed car accident caused by a drunk driver.

The trauma changed her life forever – and had lasting impacts on her family and relationships with friends.

The accident left her with impairments to her left elbow, forearm and hand.

It would be eight years before she got back in a boat – a move that would lead to her forging a successful career as a full-time para-athlete.

Viney tells of the dangers of getting into cars with friends. Picture: Aaron Francis

But Ms Viney doesn’t want your sympathy.

Rather, the 31-year-old wants her experience to reinforce the message about being safe on the roads this long Grand Final weekend, with police conducting widespread roadside alcohol and drug testing.

“Stop the behaviour,’’ Ms Viney said.

“Don’t allow yourself or somebody else to make the mistake of getting behind the wheel.’’

Ms Viney said she was “incredibly proud” of who she is, including having a disability.

“It is important to me to stop the narrative of pity and despair that has been painted of people acquiring a disability from road accidents.’’

Rather, Ms Viney wants to use her platform as someone who experienced the real horrors of road trauma.

“The torturous events that ripple out consuming the hearts and minds of all involved,” she said.

“What people don’t consider is that my sister who was 15 at the time was the one who answered the phone at 2am to hear I’d been in a car accident.

Viney ready for the Tokyo Paralympics. Picture: Instagram

“That is what’s soul-crushing from these incidents.’’

The personal impacts too were lasting and severe.

“Imagine surviving a high speed car accident only to wish you hadn’t.’’

Ms Viney said sport helped get her life back on track and set her on a course to compete in the Tokyo Paralympics in the PR3 coxed mixed four, with Paris 2024 the next major goal.

“I found purpose again in life while I was working in football (AFL/AFLW).

“Sport is about coming together and celebrating moments of pure magic and unbelievable human achievement.

“Don’t destroy this AFL Grand Final series by driving while under the influence.’’

Ms Viney’s warning comes as Victoria Police prepares to launch Operation Scoreboard on Thursday to target drink and drug drivers over the long weekend.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said the long weekend should not be remembered for the wrong reasons.

“Drinking and driving don’t mix, so if you’re planning to have a drink on Grand Final

Day, don’t drive – leave the car at home, arrange a designated driver and utilise

alternative transport options,’’ he said.

So far this year, 210 people have died on Victorian roads, a seven-year high and 28 more than this time last year.

“Alcohol and drugs continue to be over-represented in fatal collisions, and we don’t

want to see any further tragedies on our roads this year,” Assistant Commissioner Weir said.

Originally published as Paralympian rower Alexandra Viney’s road warning ahead of Grand Final Day