Victoria Police target pedestrian safety

By Adair Winder

May 23, 2022

Targeting pedestrian safety: During National Road Safety Week, Victoria Police staged a statewide day of action targeting pedestrian safety and distraction last week. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Victoria Police staged a statewide day of action after pedestrian deaths more than doubled this year.

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Last Wednesday, May 18, police across Victoria targeted pedestrian safety and distraction as part of National Road Safety Week.

Echuca Highway Patrol’s Sergeant Paul Nicholl said the biggest concern was school students crossing the Murray Valley Hwy.

According to police statistics, 15 pedestrians have died on Victorian roads this year, compared to six people this time last year. More than 1200 pedestrians were also injured last year.

Assistant Police Commissioner for Road Policing Glenn Weir said he was concerned the number of pedestrians killed on the roads would continue to rise.

“Distraction has been a factor in several pedestrian deaths this year,” he said.

“Too often people aren’t aware of their surroundings because they’re blasting music through their headphones or absorbed with their mobile phone.”