Pedestrian statistics

To be a safe pedestrian, use your eyes, ears, judgement and common sense.

Stop, Look, Listen, Think

Follow the safe road crossing procedure – STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK.

• STOP one step back from the kerb or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath. 
• LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic. 
• LISTEN in all directions for approaching traffic. 
• THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped. 
• When crossing, walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.

This information is particularly relevant to young people learning to cross roads. But it also provides a useful reminder to everyone particularly to those who may be distracted when crossing the road.

Pedestrian facts and figures 

The following facts are based on police reported crash data (2003-2012).

Fatalities and serious injuries

Over the last ten years on average:

• 47 pedestrians were killed in Victoria each year
• more than 690 pedestrians were seriously injured in Victoria each year.

Males and females

More males than females are involved in fatal and serious injury pedestrian crashes

• 55% were male pedestrians.
• 44% were female pedestrians.

Age groups

Pedestrians most likely to be involved in police reported serious or fatal crashes were aged:

• 0-14 years – 10%
• 18-24 – 16%
• 25-34 – 16%
• 65 years and over – 21%

Child pedestrian safety

Research shows that young children do not have the skills and experience to be safe in traffic on their own. Parents and carers need to take special care and supervise young children in traffic.  For more information visit the children and pedestrian safety page. 

Older pedestrian safety

Pedestrians over 65 years of age are involved in a higher number of crashes because they:

• Have more difficulty judging the speed and distance of traffic accurately, as eyesight and hearing begin to decline. 
• May not move or react quickly to avoid approaching vehicles.

Find out more information about older pedestrian safety and advice on how to keep safe

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Over 30% of pedestrians killed have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level above .05, with the majority being more than 0.15 BAC which is more than three times above the legal driving limit.

Research indicates that the skills necessary to cross a road safely are impaired at BAC levels of .08 and above.*

Common features of crashes involving intoxicated pedestrians include:

• they occur more often on weekends and at night and the early morning  
• often happen close to urban drinking venues 
• often involve regular drinkers from a hotel or licensed venue 
• occur on the near side of the road as the pedestrian begins to cross 
• the majority of victims are male.

If you have been drinking or you plan to be drinking, take extra care and plan how you will get home.

* Oxley, J. A., Lenne, M. G., Corben, B. F., 2006, The effect of alcohol impairment on road-crossing behaviour, Transportation Research Part F, vol 9, issue 4, Pergamon, UK, pp. 258-268.