Road Safety
- Publication no: WEB-R755-26
- Published: 7 May 2026
Pedestrian trauma remains a significant road safety challenge in Australia and New Zealand, but the risks are not shared equally. This Austroads research project examines how safety outcomes for people walking vary across different population groups and locations.
Drawing on a literature review, analysis of pedestrian death and hospitalisation data, and engagement with pedestrian safety experts and stakeholders from over-represented groups, the study identifies significant differences in risk. Older people, males, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori are particularly over-represented in pedestrian deaths. Higher fatality rates are also seen in remote areas of Australia and in communities experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.
In this webinar, you hear about:
- Which pedestrian groups face the highest road safety risks
- How risk varies by age, gender, geography and socio-economic circumstances
- Implications for road safety policy, planning and practice
Download the presentation slides and Q+A.
Austroads’ literature review of hazard perception tests identifies what makes these tests effective, with a particular focus on novice drivers. It shows that the ability to anticipate and respond to hazards is a critical skill linked to safer driving and reduced crash risk.