Victoria Police are urging pedestrians to take greater care around the State’s roads with the number of pedestrian deaths recorded so far this year now equal to the number recorded for all of last year.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Road Policing Command, Justin Goldsmith said there had been 28 pedestrian deaths in Victoria since January with 10 recorded in June alone.
Assistant Commissioner Goldsmith said winter was an especially high risk time for pedestrians because it was darker earlier and poor weather reduced visibility.
“The fact we’ve already equalled pedestrian deaths for all of last year is truly tragic,” A/Assistant Commissioner Goldsmith said.
“This trend is of enormous concern to me and my members and we will be doing all we can to prevent further loss of life,” he said.
“To this end we ask all road users to look out for each other.”
A/Assistant Commissioner Goldsmith said Victoria Police had previously expressed its concern over the deadly trend.
He said inattention was a key factor in many pedestrian fatalities.
“Awareness of your surroundings has never been more important for both pedestrians and drivers,” A/Assistant Commissioner Goldsmith said.
“Motorists need to remain focused behind the wheel and avoid distractions, and pedestrians need to look up, pay attention to the road and ensure it’s safe to cross before doing so,” he said.
“One mistake is all it takes for someone to be seriously injured or worse,” A/Assistant Commissioner Goldsmith said.
