Pedestrians make up approximately 14% of the annual Australian road toll.1
- In Queensland in 2011, almost half of the fatally injured pedestrians were alcohol impaired at the time of the crash – 2 out of 3 were male and 1 out of 3 was aged 30-39 years.
- Young pedestrians are prone to distraction from smartphones, with 1 in 3 18-30 year olds reporting texting while crossing the road in Queensland.
THE FACTS
Who walks and why?
- We are all pedestrians. Walking is a common mode of transport world-wide.
- Virtually every trip begins and ends with walking. Walking may comprise the journey (be it a long hike or short stroll to a shop), or a person may walk for one or more portions of a trip (e.g. walking to and from bus stops, with a bus trip in between).
- Walking is a crucial mode of transport in low and middle income countries, whereas it is more likely to be seen as a recreational activity in high income countries, where the reliance on motor vehicles is higher.
- Walking has well established health and environmental benefits, and many countries are implementing policies to encourage walking as a transport mode.