PEDESTRIANS and cyclists are amongst our most vulnerable road users, and this November, Bass Coast Police, spearheaded by Acting Sergeant Zane Maligeorgos, have launched Operation Pedester.
“We’ve seen an 84 per cent increase in pedestrian incidents across Bass Coast in the last 12 months,” Acting Sergeant Maligeorgos explained.
“Of the 35 collisions, 15 have resulted in serious injuries.”
And according to the Sergeant, it’s a combination of pedestrians and drivers behind the wheel of a vehicle, who have been at fault.
“Regardless, however, of who is at fault, when vulnerable road users are involved the stakes are high. This is because they are completely exposed to the full force of a crash with little to no protection.”
Research shows that a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a car travelling at 60km/h is unlikely to survive.
“In fact, a pedestrian or cyclist’s risk of death or serious injury increases where vehicles are travelling at speeds of 30km/h and upwards,” Acting Sergeant Maligeorgos said.
“We implore everyone to not just think about their own safety, but how their behaviour impacts the safety of others.
“For motorists, we want to make sure they’re paying attention and watching their speed, especially in high-pedestrian and cyclist areas.
“For cyclists, we want to make sure they’re obeying traffic signals and wearing a correctly fitted and approved helmet.
“For pedestrians, we want to make sure they’re doing things like obeying traffic signals and are not distracted – use the crossings, stay off the phone and make eye contact before stepping out.”
Bass Coast Shire Council have jumped on board the Operation, putting new signs around town as visual reminders for drivers and pedestrians to stay alert and look out for one another.
“Throughout November,
local police will be stepping up patrols to keep people safe and encourage everyone to slow down and pay attention. You’ll therefore see us out and about around school zones, crossings, CBD areas and intersections – talking to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”
According to Acting Sergeant Maligeorgos, the Operation is not just about enforcement, but also education and awareness, getting people to think twice about pedestrian safety.
“At the end of the day, everyone just wants to get home safely – this operation is about making sure that happens. Drivers will be reminded
to give way, ditch the phone and take that extra second to check for pedestrians.”
The fine for motorists failing to give way to pedestrians or cyclists is $356 and three demerit points.
For cyclists, failing to wear a bicycle helmet will set you back $254, whilst failing to obey traffic lights is $509 and misusing path/footpath or failing to use a bicycle lane is $204.
For pedestrians, the fine for failing to obey traffic lights is $102.
“It’s up to everyone to share the roads safely,” Acting Sergeant Maligeorgos concluded.
