Pedestrian campaign chalks up the safety message

Pedestrians in Brisbane’s CBD will be reminded to cross the street with care, with life-saving safety reminders chalked onto footpaths at several city crossing locations.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey launched the ‘Be aware - Cross with care’ pedestrian campaign today, an initiative designed to remind pedestrians to be vigilant when crossing the road.

Mr Bailey said people crossing the street mid-block or metres away from traffic lights was only part of the problem. 

“While it is legal to cross the street more than 20 metres from the closest crossing, people should look at their surroundings before stepping out onto the road at any time,” Mr Bailey said.  

“The safest place to cross the road is at traffic lights, and sometimes this means walking a few extra metres and waiting patiently. Being alert in busy areas is important for every person using the road.”

Mr Bailey also urged pedestrians to put their phones down when crossing the road.

“If you are looking at your phone, you aren’t looking at the traffic signals. Both pedestrians and drivers need to be aware of traffic light changes and walk/don’t walk signs,” he said.

“Minimise distractions and maximise safety.” 

RACQ Head of Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding said simple lessons learned from a young age about safety crossing the road could be quickly erased by distractions like mobile phones.

“We learn about how to safely cross the road at school, because there are no second chances if you step into the path of a car,” Mr Spalding said.

“Checking for traffic might not be as interesting as checking your phone, but it’s something you can’t ignore.

“If you’re looking at your phone then you’re not looking out for your own safety when crossing the road.

“You should be more worried about missing something on the road than missing something on your phone.”

Mr Bailey said the ‘Be aware - Cross with care’ campaign, launched today as part of Queensland Road Safety Week, would run in the Brisbane CBD for the next few weeks.

“This campaign uses street panels, walking boards and chalk messages on the footpath to remind pedestrians of their safety,” Mr Bailey said. 

“The campaign is just one piece of the puzzle in the road safety solution. We are working with local governments, police, engineers, town planners and many more stakeholders across Queensland to make sure our roads are the safest in Australia. 

“We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe.  We need to step up to the challenge and look out for each other on the road. We all need to be aware and cross with care.”

Mr Bailey said Queensland Road Safety Week was about the community coming together to focus on safety for every road user – pedestrians, motorists, heavy vehicle drivers, bicycle riders and motorcyclists.

For more information on Road Safety Week and how to get involved, visit www.jointhedrive.qld.gov.au/road-safety-week.

ENDS

Media contact: Toby Walker – 0439 347 875