ROAD REALITIES VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS Half of the world’s road traffic deaths occur among motorcyclists (23%), pedestrians (22%) and cyclists (5%) with 31% of deaths among car occupants and the remaining 19% among unspecified road users

PEDESTRIANS More than 1500 pedestrians are hit on NSW roads each year. A pedestrian hit by a car travelling at 50km/h is twice as likely to die as one hit by a car travelling at 40km/h More than 1500 pedestrians are hit on NSW roads each year. All road users are pedestrians at some time or other. Pedestrian fatalities represented approximately 15% of all fatalities. Of all crashes in which a pedestrian is killed, more than 25% occur between 5pm and 9pm. Pedestrian injuries peak during the mid-morning (8am to 10am) and mid to late afternoon (2pm to 7pm). Pedestrian fatalities are more likely to occur on Fridays and Saturdays, while injuries are more prevalent on weekdays. Children are particularly vulnerable because of their size and fragile bodies. Our research shows there is an even spread of fatalities and serious injuries across those aged 17-60+ years, although males make up the majority of pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries on NSW roads.

PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES INCREASE WITH SPEED High vehicle speeds greatly increase the risk of injury and death to pedestrians. The speed at which a vehicle is travelling when it hits a pedestrian (the impact speed) determines the severity of the injury and the chances of survival. Drivers need to slow down and prepare to stop for pedestrians. A pedestrian hit by a car travelling at 50km/h is twice as likely to die as one hit by a car travelling at 40km/h. Pedestrian injuries peak during the mid-morning (8am to 10am) and mid to late afternoon (2pm to 7pm). Pedestrian fatalities are more likely to occur on Fridays and Saturdays, while injuries are more prevalent on weekdays. Children are particularly vulnerable because of their size and fragile bodies.

CYCLISTS HAVE SAME RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES On average, nine bicycle riders are killed and more than 1900 seriously injured in NSW each year. Cyclists represent about 2.5 per cent of total road fatalities and about 16 per cent of serious injuries. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and motorcycle riders. Drivers, bicycle riders and pedestrians all need to Go Together safely. We should all respect each other's space and ensure that everyone stays safe.  Drivers must watch out for cyclists as they are smaller than cars and harder to see. Cyclists also have the right, like other vehicles, to travel on roads and be shown courtesy and care by other road users. Cyclists are more difficult to see than cars or trucks, especially at night. Take care to check for bicycle riders in blind spots and especially when turning at intersections. Sometimes a bicycle can travel faster than a car, particularly in slow-moving traffic. Never underestimate their speed and do not to cut them off by moving in front of them. Remember that it takes cyclists longer to stop than cars. Check in your rear-view and side mirrors to avoid opening your car door into the path of bicycle riders. It can be dangerous and is legally your fault. At times, bicycle riders may need the full width of a lane to ride safely because of rough road edges and gravel. Be prepared to slow down and allow the rider to travel away from the kerb. Children on bikes can be unpredictable – be prepared to slow down and stop. Cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast (side by side).

PASSING CYCLISTS Since 1 March 2016, drivers who pass a bicycle rider must allow a distance of at least: 1 metre when the speed limit is 60km/h or less 1.5 metres when the speed limit is more than 60km/h Since 1 March 2016, drivers who pass a bicycle rider must allow a distance of at least: 1 metre when the speed limit is 60km/h or less 1.5 metres when the speed limit is more than 60km/h If drivers cannot pass a bicycle rider safely, they should slow down and wait until it is safe to pass the rider, leaving the minimum distance. To help drivers provide the minimum distance, some exemptions to the road rules will apply. Penalty: Drivers caught not allowing the minimum distance when passing a bicycle rider face a $330 fine and a penalty of two demerit points.

MOTORCYCLE STATISTICS 67 motorcyclists were killed and 2215 were injured in NSW in 2016. Although motorcycles only represent 4 per cent of vehicle registrations, they account for 21 per cent of all road fatalities and 12 per cent of all road injuries. Motorcycle riders are more exposed and risk serious injuries if they are in a crash.

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY By choosing safer helmets and riding gear, motorcyclists can ensure they have the best protection Motorcyclists do not have the benefits of crumple zones and airbags Regular bike maintenance helps keep motorcycles in a safe condition for riding. Head injuries contribute to approximately 75% of deaths among motorcycle users; in some low- and middle-income countries, head injuries are estimated to account for up to 88% of such fatalities. Wearing a standard, good quality motor cycle helmet can reduce the risk of death by 40% and the risk of serious injury by over 70% . By choosing safer helmets and riding gear, motorcyclists can ensure they have the best protection, while regular bike maintenance helps keep motorcycles in a safe condition for riding. Some important tips for riders: Helmets must be to Australian standards Visors that are clear and shatterproof Back protectors that have dual density foam to protect the spine Gloves with strengthened palms, knuckles and wrists Jackets and pants that cover the whole body and are highly resistant to abrasions and tearing Boots should be leather and overlap the pants and provide shin and ankle protection. All motorcyclists must know the rules on mobile phone use. Learner and P1 riders must not use a mobile phone at all while riding. Learner and P1 riders penalised for illegally using a mobile phone (four demerit points) will exceed their demerit point threshold and face a three-month licence suspension. Motorcyclists are smaller and harder to see. Drivers are encouraged to always look out for motorcycles, particularly in blind spots.

RIDE TO LIVE Video: https://youtu.be/OyKcTnn8gvk

On average how many pedestrians are killed or injured on NSW roads each year? Is it 175, 250, 275 or 1500? What percentage do cyclists make up of the total fatalities on NSW roads? <1%, 1.5%, 2% or 2.5%? Although motorcycles only represent 4% of all vehicles they account for how much of the road toll each year? 7%, 16%, 21% or 24%? DISCUSSION Q. On average how many pedestrians are killed or injured on NSW roads each year? 1500 killed or injured Q. What percentage do cyclists make up of the total fatalities on NSW roads? 2.5% Q. Although motorcycles only represent 4% of all vehicles they account for how much of the road toll each year? A. 21%