Police are urging all road users to be aware of their surroundings while on the state's roads ahead of a pedestrian compliance operation to be conducted in Sydney's CBD today.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said the need to consider pedestrian safety has never been greater given recent tragedies on NSW roads.
"With the pedestrian road toll at 16, being 10 more than this time last year, all road users need to be aware of the risks on our roads," Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said.
"This is a call for all drivers, riders, cyclists, and even pedestrians, to make sure that they are doing all that they can to ensure the safety of themselves, and other road users.
"Those in vehicles, or on cycles or bikes need to keep a careful look out for pedestrians and give them plenty of time to cross the road, particularly around school zones. We know that young children can be unpredictable, and we all need to ensure we are doing all we can to keep them and others safe.
"Pedestrians need to consider their own safety by crossing at designated traffic-controlled points, and not be distracted by portable devices, keeping a proper lookout for other road users."
"In the last 12 months, 56 pedestrians have lost their lives on our roads. All road users need to know the risks and do all they can to keep others safe right across the New South Wales road network, he said/
Furthermore, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said. police will continue to focus on not only pedestrian safety, but those also putting pedestrians at risk, by conducting regular enforcement operations in local areas.
"I am sure we all leave home to go to work or school expecting to arrive safely, and also return home. Sadly, for many, this has not been the case," Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said.
To optimise safety, police urge pedestrians to:
• Always use pedestrian crossings;
• Never assume that an approaching vehicle can see you, or will stop for you – wait until all vehicles have stopped before you cross;
• At intersections, check for turning vehicles before you leave the kerb, and while you are crossing the road;
• Avoid crossing between parked cars or at the front or back of buses;
• Wear bright, light coloured clothing at night or in reduced visibility conditions;
• Avoid using a mobile phone or portable media player (so you can hear vehicles and concentrate on crossing the road);
• At traffic lights, make sure that vehicles stop before you start to cross, and don't enter the road if vehicles are moving through the crossing or if the red don't walk signal shows. Pedestrian countdown timers show how many seconds you have left to finish crossing before oncoming vehicles will be given a green light. If you haven't started to cross, the countdown timers can help you decide if it's safe to do so.
Drivers, riders and cyclists are urged to:
• Slow down on roads where there are likely to be heavy pedestrian traffic, especially near schools and shopping centres, and near hotels where there are likely to be pedestrians who have been drinking;
• Be aware that pedestrians are hard to see at night and in poor weather;
• Don't assume that a pedestrian has seen you and will wait for you to go past;
• Be mindful that vulnerable pedestrians may need extra time to cross – children can be difficult to see and may act unpredictably;
• Be conscious of the potential for pedestrians who may be affected by a substance, particularly during late hours.
