Northern Beaches Council has joined seven other councils from Sydney’s northern suburbs to raise awareness of pedestrian safety and the distractions caused by using mobile phones.

The “Distracted…?” pedestrian safety campaign is a joint initiative of Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Mosman, Northern Beaches, North Sydney, Ryde and Willoughby Councils and is aimed at reducing the number of pedestrian casualties caused by distractions from mobile phones by raising awareness through the media.

NSW Police Chief Inspector Phillip Brooks said that many of the state’s 70 pedestrian deaths last year could have been prevented with more attention paid to traffic by pedestrians.

"Police have a continued focus on pedestrian activity in the hope that we can save lives.  

“Those pedestrians that continue to put others at risk by concentrating on their phone as opposed to the road, cutting across traffic, and taking risks will suffer the consequences of either an infringement notice, or being involved in either a serious injury, or a fatal crash," he said.

Northern Beaches Council Chief Executive Officer Mark Ferguson said community safety was a key focus for Council.

“I urge Northern Beaches’ residents to get behind this campaign and behave responsibly as pedestrians. I would also remind parents that their behaviour influences that of their children, so it is important to do the right thing,” Mr Ferguson said.

The “Distracted…?” campaign has these tips to offer pedestrians:

• Wait until all vehicles have stopped before stepping off the kerb
• Wear bright or light coloured clothing at night or when visibility is low
• Put away your phone before you cross the road
• Always use pedestrian crossings
• Pay attention to traffic lights – especially pedestrian “don’t walk” signals