Pedestrians urged to 'Look Out Before You Step Out'

Published: 10 Sep 2021 12:59pm

Pedestrians in Wagga Wagga are again being urged to take extra care when crossing the road as part of this year’s ‘Look Out Before You Step Out’ campaign.

More highly visible stickers are being installed at pedestrian refuges, crossings and intersections across Wagga Wagga to remind people to use the safest locations and to make safe decisions when crossing the road.

Council has installed 75 stickers along Bourke Street and Lake Albert Road, adding to those placed around the Central Business District last year.

Wagga Wagga City Council Road Safety Officer Emma Reynolds said Transport for NSW and the Centre for Road Safety are working with councils across the state to expand the ‘Look Out Before You Step Out’ campaign.

Mrs Reynolds said this would assist in reducing the number of pedestrian crashes as part of the ultimate goal to bring the road toll Towards Zero.

“The stickers are at key pedestrian crossing points as a reminder to everyone to ‘look out before you step out’, particularly over the busy holiday period,” Mrs Reynolds said.

“More than 1500 pedestrians are struck across NSW each year and the aim of the initiative is to drive that number down.

“Taking risks and not being mindful on the roads can end in tragedy, which is why it is important for pedestrians to have their head in the moment.

“All road users are pedestrians at some time in their journey.  When you cross the road, look out before you step out.”

Mrs Reynolds said Centre for Road Safety data shows a car travelling at 50 km/h is twice as likely to kill a pedestrian as a car travelling at 40 km/h.

“We know road safety is a two-way street, and drivers also need to play their part by slowing down, especially in high pedestrian 40 km/h zones and on local streets where they know pedestrians are out and about,” she said.