A dramatic rise in pedestrian crashes in the central business district this year has highlighted the need for a recently-launched Auckland City Council pedestrian safety campaign.

As of Monday, there were 17 serious pedestrian crashes – including a near-fatal crash just a few days after the pedestrian safety campaign began - compared to 10 for the same period in 2001.

Pedestrian crashes in the CBD are at nearly double the rate for March compared to the same period last year. There have been six pedestrian crashes already this month compared to the average of four per month last year.

Raewyn Fairley, Auckland City Council’s Road Safety Co-ordinator, says the latest statistics show a worsening in the rate of pedestrian crashes.

”If numbers continue at this rate, we’re heading for close to 70 pedestrian accidents this year, compared to last year’s total of 49,” she said.

Ms Fairley says road safety is a shared responsibility and drivers must be prepared to take extreme care in high pedestrian areas.

“Motorists must give way to pedestrians when turning left or right at signalised intersections, and slow down,” says Ms Fairley.

“And, equally, pedestrians must take care to look both ways and not take risks when stepping onto the roadway.”

ENDS

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