Victoria Police is issuing a plea to all road users to take care around pedestrians, after figures had shown that pedestrian deaths had more than doubled this year.
The police are staging a statewide day of action today (Wednesday, May 18), with data highlighting that 15 pedestrians have died on Victoria’s roads this year, compared with six at the same time last year.
Victoria Police analysis shows that more than 1200 pedestrians were injured last year.
Victoria Police road policing assistant commissioner Glenn Weir said the day of action will see highway patrol and general duties police targeting pedestrian safety and distraction.
“Pedestrian deaths have more than doubled on Victoria’s roads this year,” he said.
“We’re concerned this trend will continue as we head into the winter months when it gets darker earlier and visibility is reduced.”
Mr Weir said police are urging motorists to pay attention and slow down, especially in built-up areas.
“Drive so others survive, especially around built up and busy areas like schools and shopping strips,” he said.
“There are lower speed limits in these areas for a reason.
“Please, help us keep pedestrians safe.”
Police are joining the day of action as part of National Road Safety Week, which runs until Monday, May 23.
Details: police.vic.gov.au/pedestrians-and-cyclists
