Central Coast Council is driving a road safety campaign aimed at reducing serious injury and fatalities to pedestrians on the Coast.

More than 1500 pedestrians are struck by vehicles on NSW roads each year with 129 pedestrians impacted on Central Coast roads in the last three years.

The ‘Look Out Before You Step Out’ campaign, promotes safer road user behaviour through urging pedestrians to take an extra moment to look out before stepping out, and choosing the safest place and time to cross.

Mayor Jane Smith said community safety is a priority for Council and the high incidence of pedestrian injury on the Coast highlights the clear need for more education, to make drivers and pedestrians more aware of their surroundings.

“Many of the incidents occur in 50 km/hr zones, and in our local CBDs,” Mayor Smith said.

“As drivers, we need to consciously slow down and watch out for pedestrians in these high traffic urban areas.

“With the increase in technology use, we are becoming less aware of our surroundings, as drivers and pedestrians we are more distracted.

“This can be fatal for pedestrians who need to be aware that it can take some time for a car to stop even at fifty kilometres an hour.

“We all must work together and be more conscious of our actions on the roads to reduce this toll in our community.”

Pedestrians are reminded of and encouraged to follow these important safety tips on our roads:

• Look before you cross. Just because someone else decides to cross, doesn’t mean it’s safe for you
• Unplug your earphones and put away your phone
• Never assume that an approaching vehicle can see you, or will stop for you – wait until all vehicles have stopped before you step off the kerb
• Avoid crossing between parked cars or at the front or back of buses and large vehicles
• At intersections, check for turning vehicles before you leave the kerb, and while you are crossing the road
• Wear bright, light coloured clothing at night or in reduced visibility conditions.
• Always use pedestrian crossings or other pedestrian facilities where possible.

For more information, visit www.roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/pedestrians

This initiative is a part of the Local Government Road Safety Program.