Victoria equals 2021 pedestrian death total by mid-July

A state has reached a “tragic milestone” after a man was killed on Tuesday morning, prompting an urgent message from police.

Victoria has reached a “tragic milestone” after the total number of pedestrian deaths across the state this year hit 28, the same amount for all of 2021.

The grim record was achieved after an elderly man was killed in Melbourne’s north on Tuesday morning.

Police believe the man was crossing Bell St, near Davis St at Coburg, just before 7am when he was hit by a blue Hyundai sedan travelling east.

The 85-year-old Coburg man died at the scene, while the male driver stopped and is assisting police with their inquiries.

Police said speed did not appear to be a factor at this stage, but visibility might have been.

Police believe the man crossed the first part of the road, stopped and then was hit while walking across the second part of the road.

Police at the scene of where an elderly man was killed in Coburg. Picture: Tony Gough

The circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined by police, who have asked to speak to any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage.

Anyone with information that could assist police has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The man’s death has led to police launching a fresh appeal for Victorians to use “common sense” while on the road.

There have been three pedestrian deaths so far this month after 10 were recorded in June alone.

Police have urged drivers and pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings and take extra time during the dangerous winter period.

28 pedestrians have been killed in Victoria this year, the same number for the entirety of 2021. Picture: Tony Gough

Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Justin Goldsmith said it was a “tragic milestone”.

“It’s an incredibly sad milestone for the Victorian community to achieve,” he said.

“The fact we‘ve already equalled pedestrian deaths for all of last year is truly tragic,” he said.

“This trend is of enormous concern to me and my members and we will be doing all we can to prevent further loss of life.

“To this end we ask all road users to look out for each other.

“Inattention is a key factor in pedestrian fatalities – motorists need to remain focused behind the wheel and avoid distractions, and pedestrians need to look up, pay attention to the road and ensure it’s safe to cross before doing so.

“One mistake is all it takes for someone to be seriously injured or worse.”

Mr Goldsmith noted that while pedestrian deaths in 2020 and 2021 were lower due to Covid restrictions, this year’s number was still an “alarming statistic” and “well above” the five-year average of 19 deaths for this point in the year.

Originally published as Victoria equals 2021 pedestrian death total by mid-July