WITH distractions such as mobile phones causing all kinds of traffic chaos both in and out of vehicles, a new campaign has been launched to keep pedestrians safe.
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Highly visible pavement stickers are being installed at pedestrian crossings, intersections and pedestrian refuges in Leeton throughout December to remind pedestrians to cross at the safest locations and to make safe decisions when crossing the road.
Leeton Shire Council road safety officer Stephanie Puntoriero said the “look out before you step out” campaign was being launched across the state.
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The initiative is being rolled out in conjunction with the Roads and Martime Services to combat the number of pedestrians hit on roads.
“The stickers are at key pedestrian crossing points as a reminder to everyone to ‘’ook out before you step out’, particularly over the busy holiday period,” Mrs Puntoriero said.
“More than 1500 pedestrians are struck across NSW each year and the aim of the initiative is to drive that number down.
“Taking risks and not being mindful on the roads can end in tragedy, which is why it is important for pedestrians to have their head in the moment.” All road users are pedestrians at some time or other.
Research from the NSW government shows there is an even spread of fatalities and serious injuries across all ages, although males make up the majority of pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries on the state’s roads.
Mrs Puntoriero urged residents to take of the pavement stickers and act accordingly, but also recognised it wasn’t always solely up to pedestrians to remain safe.
“We also know this is a two-way street, and drivers also need to play their part by slowing down, especially in high pedestrian 40kmh zones and on streets where they know pedestrians are,” she said.
“It’s important to stick to speed limits in high pedestrian areas since a car travelling at 50kmh is twice as likely to kill a pedestrian than a car travelling at 40kmh.”
Many of the stickers can be found in the main street area, as well as throughout the town.
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