VIC:Vic pedestrian deaths up over last year

AAP General News (Australia)
12-28-2011
VIC:Vic pedestrian deaths up over last year

MELBOURNE, Dec 28 AAP - Victorians have been warned to be careful when crossing the
road, with 11 more pedestrians killed so far this year than at the same time in 2010.

Fifty pedestrians have been struck by vehicles and killed on Victoria's roads this
year, compared with 39 last year.

Police are issuing a fresh warning after five more pedestrians were hit over the Christmas
period, including one who died.

A 68-year-old man was struck and killed on the Western Highway at Pimpinio, in Victoria's
far west, on December 23.

On Christmas night, a 33-year-old Braybrook man was hit by a vehicle as he tried to
run across Ballarat Road in Braybrook.

On Boxing Day a 10-year-old boy was lucky to escape with only minor injuries, after
he was knocked off his skateboard while riding it across a pedestrian crossing about 10.30pm
(AEDT) in Richmond.

And on Tuesday two pedestrians were hit: a man was in a critical condition at The Alfred
hospital after being struck by a car in Richmond about 9.45pm, and a woman had surgery
after she was struck by a vehicle in Melbourne's CBD at 7.20pm.

Police said it appeared the driver who hit the 10-year-old boy had run a red light
and driven off.

Senior Sergeant Craig Pearson appealed for drivers and pedestrians to do the right thing.

"We need both pedestrians and motorists to look out for each other, especially in built-up
areas," Snr Sgt Pearson said in a statement.

"There is a reason that these areas have reduced speed zones and it is important for
motorists to adhere to these as it allows drivers to stop should there be any type of
hazard on the road."

But he said it was also important for pedestrians to be careful.

"In some recent collisions, it is apparent pedestrians have made poor decisions about
where and when they have crossed the road.

"Some of these incidents clearly show bad judgment, as well as indications that alcohol
may have been a factor in affecting the choice made by the pedestrian."

Of this year's pedestrian fatalities, 39 were in Melbourne and 11 were in country areas.

The total of 50 is above the five-year average for pedestrians killed by this time
of the year, which stands at 49.

AAP kn/gfr/tab

KEYWORD: PEDESTRIANS

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