Tasmanian drivers and pedestrians are urged to look out for each other in a new road safety campaign starting today.
With one in five serious road casualties in towns and cities being pedestrians, the campaign highlights the need for drivers to watch out for pedestrians and for people crossing the road to put away their phones.
Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable because there was often nothing protecting them if hit by a vehicle.
The sad fact is they are more likely to be seriously injured or killed if hit.
Road Safety Advisory Council Chair, Scott Tilyard said the new campaign was for all Tasmanian road users.
“This campaign is all about increasing both driver and pedestrian awareness of each other, “Mr Tilyard said.
“It is reminding drivers to look out for and give way to people crossing the road and pedestrians should be paying full attention when crossing the road as drivers may not see them.
“We are bringing this campaign to life in the places where pedestrians are most vulnerable to create a highly visible and impactful campaign.
“You will see it pop up around the streets of Tasmania on traffic signal poles, stencilled onto footpaths and road crossings, and displayed on bus backs and mobile billboards.
“It’s taking the message to people where pedestrians are most at risk, on the roads of our cities and regional centres,” Mr Tilyard said.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to improving safety for vulnerable road users. Under the Towards Zero Action Plan 2020-2024, the Government is investing over $75 million to improve road safety for all Tasmanian road users.
