How ageing Victorians can cross the street safely

A third of the 400 pedestrians who lost their lives on Victorian roads in the past 10 years have been aged 70 or older. Now, the state’s peak body for older people has suggested some practical, but potentially controversial, safety tips for older road users.

More than 400 pedestrians have lost their lives on Victorian roads in the past 10 years, TAC statistics show, with a third aged 70 or older. Generic picture: iStock

More than 400 pedestrians have lost their lives on Victorian roads in the past 10 years, TAC statistics show, with a third aged 70 or older.

The Council on the Ageing Victoria has called for a greater awareness of the risk to elderly pedestrians on Victorian roads.

A total of 74 per cent died in metropolitan Melbourne, with 67 per cent being male.

A combination of dark clothing, poor lighting, winter weather and the fact older people may have limited vision were considered to be key factors in the worrying statistics.

Being visible to drivers is a major safety advantage, with COTA Victoria suggesting pedestrians wear bright reflective armbands or high-visibility vests when walking at night.

Safety tips for older pedestrians

As part of its safety program for older Victorians COTA Victoria is promoting safety tips for older pedestrians:
1.Wear lightly coloured or reflective clothing at night and bright-coloured clothing during the day.
2. Stay in well-lit areas to cross the street.
3. Make eye contact with drivers in stopped vehicles to make sure they see you before you cross.
4. Don’t be distracted by smartphones or handheld devices.
5. Don’t wear headphones — your ears tell you what is happening around you.
6. Know and follow all traffic rules, signs and signals.
7. Use intersections with traffic lights or a pedestrian crossing where possible.
8. If these are not available, find a well-lit area and wait for a long gap in traffic to cross safely.
9. Always walk on the footpath if there is one, otherwise walk facing traffic to increase your visibility to drivers.
10. Plan your trips out and if possible, try to arrange vehicle transport at night.

Visit cotavic.org.au for more information on pedestrian safety.

COTA APPOINTS NEW CHIEF

— Mike Lescai, Council on the Ageing president

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria has appointed Tina Hogarth-Clarke — who has more than 24 years’ experience in the Australian health, aged care, retirement living and disability industries — as its new CEO.

Ms Hogarth-Clarke has had a distinguished career and has demonstrated commitment and skills in community engagement and advocacy, plus a strong sense of social justice and ethics over a long period of time.

She comes to the role with a detailed understanding of the issues facing Victorians aged over 50 and the importance of building strong government and community connections to develop an age friendly and equitable society.

New COTA chief executive Tina Hogarth-Clarke

Ms Hogarth-Clarke said COTA Victoria had been at the forefront of leading and promoting the positive aspects of ageing and protecting the rights of older Victorians for nearly 70 years.

“Australia’s ageing population and the current economic environment has created a major focus on the collaboration between all levels of government to create and promote programs such as age-friendly communities, active lifestyle opportunities, the importance of community connections and the royal commission into aged care quality and safety,” Ms Hogarth-Clarke said.

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“These are positive outcomes from the advocacy role of many groups, and the current reviews and focus provide all levels of government and the private sector involved with older Australians an opportunity to reset policies and assess how to improve monitoring the current systems which underpin aged care in Australia.”

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Ms Hogarth-Clarke said the common perception that being over 50 was when people should think about retiring was a “Fake Use by Date” as in reality it was often the time when many people excelled successfully extending their contribution to their careers, families and communities.

“Protecting the quality of life for older members of the community is vital especially in times of rapidly changing employment opportunities which can cause increased financial and emotional stress for those aged over 50,” she said.

“Importantly, there is a greater understanding of the value of older members of the community who are involved in extensive volunteer work and continue to contribute to productive employment well into their 70s.”

Visit cotavic.org.au for more information