THIRTY-TWO pedestrian incidents occurred in Dubbo between 2009 and 2013, with 29 resulting in injuries and three resulting in fatalities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In light of these figures Dubbo City Council has called for both pedestrians and motorists to take more time and care when approaching crossings around the city.
Road Safety Officer Jayne Bleechmore said there were more people out and about during the school holidays, and extra care was needed near all roads, but especially at pedestrian crossings and pedestrian refuge islands.
"Pedestrian crossings and pedestrian refuge islands are used to reduce crashes and to help both pedestrians and drivers use the road safely.
"Drivers must slow down when approaching a pedestrian crossing and if necessary, stop safely before the crossing," Ms Bleechmore said.
"Pedestrian refuge islands are not pedestrian crossings; they are installed on busy or wide roads to help pedestrians cross in two stages.
"By crossing in stages, pedestrians only have to concentrate on traffic from one direction at a time. Refuge islands are generally not part of a marked crossing so be careful and wait for a break in the traffic."
Whether you are walking or driving you must obey road rules to make sure pedestrian crossings are safe.
Penalties apply for both drivers and pedestrians who break the law.
Dubbo City Council has released a number of useful guidelines to help pedestrians keep safe while out on the streets. They include:
o always using pedestrian crossings if there is one within 20 metres;
o being aware of areas with high pedestrian activity e.g. outside schools and shopping centres;
o remaining mindful that older pedestrians need extra time to cross;
o at a pedestrian crossing, never assume that an approaching driver can see you or will stop for you, as their vision may be affected by the sun, poor light and parked cars;
o at intersections and at pedestrian island refuges at roundabouts, check for turning vehicles before you leave the kerb;
o remembering that children can be difficult to see and may act unpredictably;
o that remembering children up to at least eight-years-old should hold an adult's hand before crossing the road, older children should be closely supervised;
o avoiding the use of a mobile phone or portable music player while you are crossing the road as these devices can distract you from checking traffic;
o remember that drivers take longer than usual to stop in wet and slippery conditions;
o and always remain vigilant and watch out for cyclists.