Australia Post is urging Aussies to keep an eye out for Posties, with data released today showing a Postie is injured by a third-party on the roads at least once a week.
In the past financial year, 65 Posties sustained serious injuries as a result of third-party traffic accidents, including broken limbs, concussions, and lacerations, with many resulting in hospital stays, time off work and psychological trauma. Across the country, New South Wales recorded the highest number of accidents involving Posties.
Some of the most common third-party accidents involving Posties included drivers:
- Not looking when using, or speeding through roundabouts
- Failing to stop at a Stop sign or Give Way sign
- Driving distracted by a mobile phone
- Not leaving enough space to stop safely
To help protect Posties, Australia Post has implemented safety measures, including installing telematics (video and data) across thousands of its electric delivery vehicles (eDVs), motorcycles, vans, and trucks. High-vis uniforms, intensive road safety training for all Posties, sensors, and duress buttons on eDVs (which pinpoint the location of a Postie in an emergency) are also standard across the network.
Australia Post General Manager Safety and Wellbeing Rod Maule highlighted that even one vehicle- related incident is too many, with Posties often sustaining injuries from being knocked off their vehicle or swerving off the road to avoid a more serious incident from occurring.
“While we want our team to deliver for all Australians, we also want each of them to safely get home to their families at the end of the day. Safety is our number one priority, which is why we’ve invested millions of dollars into advanced technology and training to keep our team safe on the road.
“But it isn’t just up to us – we are asking all drivers to be alert and keep an eye out for our Posties, especially over the next few months as we ramp up deliveries in the lead up to Christmas,” Mr. Maule said.
Tips for road safety:
- Put your mobile phone out of reach when
- Slow down when approaching
- Use your mirrors and check your blind spots for motorcycles and cyclists before turning or changing
- When reversing out of your driveway, toot your horn and move
Keep your distance. Drive far enough behind the car in front of you so you can stop safely.
- Do not drive when drowsy.
- Do not drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
