The Victorian Government is urging all road users to play their part in protecting pedestrians following an increase in fatalities and the onset of shorter days as daylight savings comes to an end this week.
It has been a tragic start to the year on Victoria’s roads, with 76 lives lost compared with 66 at the same time last year. This increase includes ten pedestrian fatalities, which is five more lives lost than this time last year and above the five-year average.
A new digital campaign from the Transport Accident Commission places the responsibility on all road users to look out for one another. The campaign promotes simple steps to avoid tragedy and urges both pedestrians and drivers to ‘see and be seen’ when out and about.Pedestrians should avoid distractions and make sure they’re visible on the road, while motorists are encouraged to slow-down in busy areas.
Pedestrian fatalities are more frequent in metropolitan areas due to the busier and more dynamic road environment, with almost double the number of lives lost than in regional areas over the past five years.
Authorities are concerned that the end of daylight savings, which increases the hours of low light and darkness, and the return of popular CBD events such as the AFL and Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF), presents increased risk to pedestrian safety.
To improve pedestrian safety in the area, the TAC has again partnered with MICF to encourage pedestrians to walk with care when out and about at the festival.
To further protect vulnerable road users, the Government will soon open applications for the 2022 TAC Community Grant program to address road safety concerns across the state.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
“It’s exciting to see Melbourne steadily returning to the vibrant place we know and love, however this shouldn’t lead to an increase in road trauma.”
“Whether you’re on four or two wheels or travelling by foot, we can all play a part and protect our most vulnerable road users.”
As stated by Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore
“Everyone has a right to feel safe on our roads and we can all take simple steps to protect pedestrians – be it drivers slowing down in built-up areas, or pedestrians keeping their eyes on the road at busy intersections.”
