NSW: New govt study to look at cause of pedestrian deaths

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2006
NSW: New govt study to look at cause of pedestrian deaths

By Alyssa Braithwaite

SYDNEY, Feb 12 AAP - The NSW government will conduct a study to find out why so many
pedestrians are killed on the state's roads, as new figures reveal they account for almost
a fifth of road fatalities.

In 2005, 96 pedestrians died on NSW roads, up 11 or almost 13 per cent, from 2004,
according to NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) figures.

Many were drunk when they were struck by vehicles.

NSW Roads Minister Joe Tripodi today announced the RTA will examine why a rising number
of pedestrians were killed and injured on NSW roads and the results will be used to devise
targeted road safety programs.

"There has been a long-time trend downwards in terms of pedestrian fatalities in the
state but I'm concerned that last year there was an increase of 11 on the year before,"

Mr Tripodi told reporters in Sydney today.

"Has there been a change in pedestrian behaviour and attitudes towards cars, or have
motorists themselves changed their attitude towards pedestrians?

"These are exactly the questions I want the RTA to look into."

Over 2,300 pedestrians were injured on NSW roads in 2004, and most of the accidents
occurred on urban roads.

Mr Tripodi said the 18-month study will look at road safety across all age groups,
with children and the elderly featuring significantly in the statistics.

Children under 16 accounted for nine per cent of pedestrian deaths and 19 per cent
of injuries, while 17 per cent of injuries and 43 per cent of deaths involved people over
60 years of age.

A significant number of pedestrians involved in accidents were intoxicated at the time
and this will be examined in the study, Mr Tripodi said.

The majority of pedestrian deaths occurred in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, but
21 per cent occurred on country roads where the speed limit is 80 kph or less.

"Sydney CBD is one area where there are a significant number of fatalities, but it's
a phenomenon right across the state," Mr Tripodi said.

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KEYWORD: PEDESTRIANS

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