Crossing the road is not a game

Monday, 24 September 2018

Moonee Valley City Council is urging residents to take more care and avoid distractions when using the road.

Our 'Not a Game' campaign encourages people to make good choices every time they are near the road by using pedestrian crossings, obeying the signals, looking up from mobile phones and looking out for oncoming traffic and other distractions. Drivers are also being asked to be vigilant when driving near pedestrians.

Moonee Valley Mayor Cr John Sipek said distraction is a big issue when it comes to pedestrian safety.

“Every day we see people walking along with their heads down and focused on their mobile phone,” Cr Sipek said.

“This means they are not fully aware of their surroundings and are more likely to ignore the traffic signals or not hear oncoming cars.

“It’s also all too easy for drivers to become distracted and not pay attention to what’s going on around them.”

Deputy portfolio holder for Integrated Transport Cr Nicole Marshall said the safety campaign was borne out of concern about the numbers of pedestrians not playing it safe on road.

“Trying to race across the road when the pedestrian light has turned red or crossing a busy road and ignoring a crossing nearby is not only dangerous, but illegal,” Cr Marshall said.

“It might mean having to walk a little further to find a safe place to cross or putting your phone away but not doing so could be risking serious injury, or even death, and at the very least a police infringement notice.”

In the past five years, almost 90 pedestrians have been hospitalised and four pedestrians have been killed after being involved in incidents on roads in Moonee Valley. 

The campaign is supported by Victoria Police.

Contact for journalists:
Kate Murphy, Media Advisor
Phone: 03 9243 8813; Mobile 0419 507 339; Email: media@mvcc.vic.gov.au