Pedestrians, cyclists blamed for nearly half of fatal crashes

Pedestrians and cyclists have contributed to more than 40 per cent of total fatal crashes over a 10-year period, according to the National Road Safety Council (NRSC).

Describing the data as "alarming", NRSC Vice-President Dr Lucien Jones said pedestrians stepping into the road without paying attention accounted for 25 per cent of road fatalities.

Driving at excessive speed accounted for 11 per cent of the road deaths over the period under review.

"Similarly, for fatal crashes involving cyclists, turning out of side roads or improper turning caused 20 per cent of the crashes. Driver speed accounted for a lower amount of these crashes," Dr Jones said.

The NRSC is advocating a multifaceted approach to enhancing road safety. A critical component to achieving this is to have road users be aware that there are rules that apply to everyone who uses the road, not only motorists.

In the past three years, pedestrians have recorded the highest number of fatalities. Last year, pedestrian fatalities accounted for 29 per cent of the total number of fatalities.