Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Graphic message promotes pedestrian safety

A pedestrian safety campaign sponsored by the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) aims to halt an increasing number of pedestrian deaths and injuries occurring on local roads.

"Too many people are being injured on our roads," said SSROC Vice President Councillor Vic Smith. "In the SSROC area the number of pedestrians killed or injured has increased to almost 3,000 in the past three years. And the number of pedestrians killed has doubled from 18 in 1994, to 39 in 1996."

A number of factors are contributing to the increased statistics. These include driver error, poor visibility in adverse conditions, impaired abilities due to alcohol and the effects of ageing.

In the case of young people, who, surprisingly, represent a significant number of victims, over confidence is often to blame. Whatever the reason, the campaign 'Think Before You Cross' aims to remind pedestrians that they must be constantly vigilant when crossing roads.

The SSROC campaign, employs a dramatic means of bringing home the message. Over 200 body outlines painted on local roads show where a person has been hit when walking.

The roadside message is accompanied by a media awareness campaign, with a video and press kit available from SSROC. Helping to launching the campaign in July were local resident Peggy Peterson, who became a victim when a driver went through a red light, and former cricketer Max Walker.

For further information contact Melissa Gibbs, SSROC Executive Director, telephone (02) 9317 2811.

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