The facts
- In 2024, 48 pedestrians were killed on our roads. This was the highest number since 2019 when there were 49 pedestrian deaths.
- In 2024, there were 37 pedestrian deaths in metropolitan Melbourne and 11 in regional Victoria.
- Of the pedestrian fatalities in 2024, 33 were in speed zones of 60 km/h or higher.
- If you’re hit by a vehicle travelling above 30km/h the risk of death or injury rises rapidly.
- Children are vulnerable as pedestrians, so they need to be supervised around roads at all times.
Did you know? People using motorised mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs are considered to be pedestrians too.
How you can stay safe
There are some simple steps you can take as a pedestrian that could save your life:
- Make sure you're visible on the road - brighter clothing makes it easier for others to see you.
- When crossing the road, take the shortest, most direct route and use a designated pedestrian crossing wherever possible.
- Try to cross at locations where you will be easily seen. Parked cars, buildings and other features in the environment can make it difficult for others to see you.
- Always obey traffic signals, even when you're in a hurry.
- When crossing the road or getting off a tram, remove your earphones and look up from mobile devices.
Keeping pedestrians safe while driving
- Drive within the speed limit, especially in built up areas.
- When you’re driving on residential streets or in shopping areas, watch for people crossing the road or riding bikes or scooters.
- Ensure you check your surroundings when reversing. Reversing cameras can be retrofitted to most vehicles, and can help you avoid collisions, particularly with children that may be below eye level.
- Always look out for pedestrians at intersections and at pedestrian crossings. Some people may need more time to cross the road, especially senior pedestrians.
What we’re doing about pedestrian safety
We’re putting $100 million into separate paths and bike lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. People will also have more kerb outstands, mid-block refuges and raised pedestrian crossings when walking in busy areas. In areas like shopping centres and public transport hubs, we’re making efforts to calm down traffic to keep people safe.
We work closely with local government to support their efforts to improve pedestrian safety in their areas. Projects include trials to reduce speeds to 30kmh in built up areas and shopping districts and improving safety around schools.
Pedestrian projects and initiatives are supported through the TAC supports Local Government Grant program and the Community Road Safety Grant Program. These grants provide funding to support vulnerable road users (people walking, riding bicycles and motorcycle riders).