Stepping out to cross a road might be one of the more dangerous things you can do in Boroondara.
Two pedestrians have been killed on our roads in the past 12 months. Another 34 have been injured – 20 of them seriously. Over 5 years there have been 5 deaths and 88 serious injuries from a total of 235 pedestrian collisions.
This reflects a trend of rising pedestrian trauma across the wider eastern metropolitan police region, which includes Boroondara. Serious injury pedestrian collisions in the past 5 years are up 51% and fatal pedestrian collisions are up 25% on the previous 5-year average.
Risky behaviour
Police say distracted drivers, pedestrians not using designated crossings and other risky behaviour is contributing to crashes – especially in busy pedestrian areas like shopping precincts and transport hubs.
People over 65 are one of the highest-risk groups for pedestrian deaths and serious injuries. Sadly, the 2 pedestrians killed most recently in Boroondara were aged 79 and 83.
Slow down and read the road
‘Our plea to both motorists and pedestrians is simple: slow down, assess the conditions and read the road around you,’ says Boroondara’s Local Area Commander, Acting Inspector Adrian Filzek.
‘A speed limit is a maximum, not a target, and drivers need to adjust their speed and their level of caution to the environment they’re travelling through.
‘Across Boroondara we have many busy shopping strips and activity centres where pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles are constantly interacting. These areas require everyone to be alert, patient and aware of their surroundings.
‘Taking a few extra seconds to slow down, look properly and anticipate what others might do can prevent a collision and ultimately save a life.’
Where are the danger zones?
High-risk areas for pedestrian collisions in Boroondara include the Camberwell Junction, Kew Junction, Glenferrie and Balwyn shopping areas. The worst roads for pedestrian collisions in the past 5 years are Burke Road (23), High Street Kew (16), Whitehorse Road (13), Burwood Road (11), Barkers Road (10), Riversdale Road (9) and Glenferrie Road (9).
What are police doing?
Victoria Police have launched Operation Footprint in the eastern metropolitan police region to help reduce pedestrian crashes. They’re targeting speeding, distraction, impaired driving, pedestrians not following the rules and other safety risks. In its first 2 weeks, they issued more than 250 penalty notices. They’re also trying to build community awareness of pedestrian safety, encouraging better behaviour and reinforcing shared responsibility for road safety.
What can you do?
Drivers
Slow down and stay alert: Especially in shopping areas and at signalised crossings.
Avoid distractions: Including mobile phones.
Obey speed limits: And stay alert to speed limit changes.
Remember: Even a low-speed collision can seriously injure or kill a pedestrian.
Pedestrians
Cross safely: Always use traffic lights or zebra crossings.
