Police are prioritising pedestrian safety following a significant spike in deaths with the launch of Operation Aware.
Until the end of September, police will be on the lookout for drivers who fail to give way to pedestrians, as well as other behaviours that put people at risk such as distraction, speeding, impaired driving and riding on the footpath.
So far this year, 25 pedestrians have lost their lives in Victoria – up 56% on the same time last year (16%).
May to August is historically the highest risk period for collisions involving pedestrians, with reduced visibility due to less daylight hours and inclement weather during winter, both major contributing factors.
Almost half of this year’s pedestrian deaths occurred during the last two months, with seven fatalities recorded in June and five in May.
Melbourne, Glen Eira, Monash, Casey and Merri-bek recorded the highest number of pedestrian injury collisions during May to August between 2019 and 2023, with 76% of collisions occurring in 40 – 60 km/h speed zones.
Analysis of this year’s fatalities has indicated that failing to give way, by both drivers and pedestrians, is the most common contributing factor to pedestrian deaths.
