Pedestrian deaths have more than doubled this year and Victoria Police is issuing an urgent safety plea to all road users.
A statewide day of action targeting pedestrian safety and distraction will be held on Wednesday 18 May, coinciding with National Road Safety Week.
Police will ensure pedestrians obey traffic signals and speak with them about good road safety practices.
They will also make sure motorists are adhering to speed limits, obeying road rules around pedestrian crossings and refraining from using their mobile phone behind the wheel.
Assistant commissioner road policing Glenn Weir said Victoria Police is concerned the spike in pedestrian deaths will continue heading into the winter months as it gets darker earlier and visibility is reduced.
“That’s why we’re making pedestrian safety a focus as part of National Road Safety Week,” Mr Weir said.
“Distraction has been a factor in several pedestrian deaths this year.
“Too often people aren’t aware of their surroundings because they’re blasting music through their headphones or absorbed with their mobile phone.”
He said motorists need to pay attention and be aware of pedestrians.
“Drive so others survive, especially around built up and busy areas like schools and shopping strips,” Mr Weir said.
“There are lower speed limits in these areas for a reason.
“Please, help us keep pedestrians safe. They’re such simple steps but they could avoid a tragedy.”
Statewide, 15 pedestrians have died on Victoria’s roads this year compared with six at the same time last year.
Victoria Police analysis shows more than 1200 pedestrians were injured last year alone.
Police forces around Australia will join the day of action as part of National Road Safety Week, which runs until 23 May.
The event, this year hosted by Victoria, was created by Peter Frazer of the Safer Australian Roads and Highways group after his 23-year-old daughter was in February 2012 tragically killed in a car crash.
Victoria Police encourages all road users to show their support for the initiative, which this year asks motorists to “pledge to drive so others survive”.
People can take the pledge online or show their support by wearing a yellow ribbon lapel badge, yellow ribbon or display a vehicle sticker.
Victoria Police is also this Friday, May 20, supporting Walk Safely to School Day as part of National Road Safety Week activities.
