State government campaign focuses on pedestrian safety

The campaign is made up of two parts, targeting both drivers and pedestrians.

"One in five serious casualties in our towns and cities are pedestrians," a Department of State Growth spokesperson said.

""It (the campaign) is a reminder for both drivers and pedestrians to look out for each other.

"This campaign message is being brought to life where pedestrians are most at risk, on the roads of our cities and regional centres.

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"It brings focus to improve driver and pedestrian awareness of each other.

"If you are a pedestrian, you should be paying full attention when crossing the road as drivers may not see you.

"Look at your immediate environment and don't look at your phone while crossing, ensure you are always visible and wherever possible cross at dedicated crossings.

"Similarly, if you are driving you must look out for and give way to pedestrians.

"Drivers are reminded to always look out for pedestrians, not to progress through crossings when they are showing the 'green walk signal' and, importantly, give way to pedestrians at signalised and unsignalised crossings."

As part of the campaign, footpaths across the state have been stencilled with the 'green walk signal' flinching and the message 'look out for vehicles when crossing'.

"This is the first year we have run a campaign targeting pedestrian safety and is an initiative to encourage safer road use and promote safe behaviours," the spokesperson said.

"Tasmania's population is growing, and our towns and cities are busier than ever.

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"With more people and more cars there is more chance of a pedestrian being seriously injured or killed on our roads.

"Pedestrians have little or no protection in the event of a crash with a motor vehicle and so are more likely to be killed or seriously injured.

"We are making our towns and cities safer through improved road safety infrastructure; however, this takes time.

"Even the safest roads can't prevent injuries or deaths if drivers aren't paying attention or speeding, or equally if pedestrians don't watch when crossing the road.

"We want everyone to drive responsibly on our roads and pay attention when crossing them.

"The goal is zero serious injuries and deaths on Tasmanian roads, and we all have a part to play in making this a reality."