Older pedestrians over represented in 2017 road toll prompting calls for action

THERE are calls for “urgent changes” after the number of pedestrian deaths almost doubled between 2016 and 2017, with more than half of those killed aged over 60.

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ALMOST twice the number of pedestrians were killed crossing the state’s roads last year with an alarming number of older people dying after being hit by cars or trucks.

Nine of 17 pedestrians who died after being struck on the state’s roads in 2017 were over the age of 60, prompting warnings from the Council of the Aged that urgent changes need to be made.

In 2016, a record low year for the road toll at 86, 9 pedestrians were killed on the state’s roads.

In 2017, 17 pedestrians died with the youngest two two-year-old boys in separate accidents earlier in the year.

The oldest killed was a 94-year-old man who was struck by a four-wheel drive at Glenelg in July.

The alarming number of older pedestrian deaths has prompted South Australian COTA Chief Executive Jane Mussared to ask the State Government to improve the focus of the road safety message.

“COTA SA urges a focus on both better pedestrian design and on road safety messaging that includes older people,” Ms Mussared said.

“The data shows that fatalities are far less likely to occur where there are pedestrian lights or other signals.

“We can also improve the safety of pedestrians by making sure that footpaths are suitable for mobility scooters, walkers and wheelchairs to use and that there is enough time at traffic lights to enable people of all speeds to cross safely.”

Ms Mussared said current road safety messages needed to be refocused on older road users who are making up an increasingly large percentage of the population.

Road Safety Minister Chris Picton said new campaigns will be rolled out in 2018 to address last years high road toll.

“101 lives were lost on our roads last year — and tragically a pedestrian fatality was the first road death recorded this year,” Mr Picton said.

“In 2018 you can expect some hard hitting education campaigns, including a campaign dedicated to pedestrians, as we all work together to drive home the message to save lives on our roads.”

Motor Accident Commission Road Safety Manager Matt Hanton said pedestrian safety would become a focus of road safety campaigns during 2018.

“All drivers and riders need to be aware of pedestrians, they are vulnerable road users and can be unpredictable, particularly once their judgment is impaired as a result of drugs or alcohol,” Mr Hanton.

“Pedestrians also have a significant role to play to maintain their safety. Pedestrians must also take responsibility for their own safety — look up from your mobile phone when crossing the road, recognise that alcohol impairs your judgment and with age, you can become slower and more susceptible to injury.”