Pedestrians urged to ‘Look out before you step out’
Wingecarribee Shire Council has been installing road stencils at pedestrian crossings, intersections and pedestrian refuges throughout the Shire in a bid to improve pedestrian safety.
Recent data from Transport for NSW’s Road Safety Plan 2021 shows that pedestrians make up 17 per cent of all fatalities and nine per cent of all serious injuries on state-wide roads.
Council’s Road Safety Officer Adam Lawrence said over the past five years nineteen people were involved in pedestrian related incidents within our Shire.
“We’re all pedestrians at some time and walking beside or near roads requires particular attention to safety,” he said.
The ‘Look out before you step out’ campaign, first launched in October 2016, encourages pedestrians to take an extra moment to look before stepping out onto roads, as well as choosing safe times and places to cross.
“The stencils have been installed in key locations to remind road users to check where their head is at and to make safe decisions when crossing the road,” said Adam.
“We also know this is a two-way street, and drivers also need to play their part by slowing down, especially in high pedestrian or school zones and on local streets where they know pedestrians are out and about.
“We all have a part to play to bring to road toll Towards Zero.”
The safety messaging can be seen in Bowral, Hill Top, Mittagong and Moss Vale.
For tips on walking safely visit roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/pedestrians.
The ‘Look out before your step out’ campaign is being conducted by Wingecarribee Shire Council in partnership with Transport for NSW.