Police Launch Statewide Pedestrian Safety Operation
Victoria Police has launched a major road policing operation following a rise in pedestrian deaths and injuries across the state.
Operation Aware began this week and will continue through until September. Police will target dangerous behaviour linked to pedestrian trauma.
The operation follows growing concern over recent pedestrian fatalities across Victoria.
So far, 17 pedestrians have died on Victorian roads this year. That figure sits slightly above the same period last year.
Additionally, Victoria recorded 52 pedestrian deaths during 2025. That marked the highest annual toll in 17 years.
High-Risk Winter Months Prompt Renewed Focus
Police say May to August remains the most dangerous period for pedestrian collisions.
Reduced daylight hours and poor winter weather often contribute to serious crashes during those months.
May was the deadliest month for pedestrians in 2025, recording seven fatalities.
Meanwhile, six pedestrians lost their lives during April this year. Most of those deaths occurred during the final two weeks.
As a result, police will increase patrols across several high-risk metropolitan areas.
The operation will focus on Melbourne CBD, Monash, Whitehorse, Casey, Glen Eira, Stonnington, Hume, Wyndham and Geelong.
Police Target Dangerous Driver and Pedestrian Behaviour
Police will concentrate on 40km/h to 60km/h zones where pedestrian trauma commonly occurs.
Officers identified weekday morning and evening peak periods as the highest-risk times.
Failing to give way remains the leading factor in pedestrian deaths involving both drivers and pedestrians.
Therefore, police will target speeding, distraction, impaired driving and riders using footpaths illegally.
Officers will also encourage pedestrians to use crossings and designated footpaths whenever possible.
More than half of pedestrian deaths occur mid-block, away from traffic lights or crossings.
During last year’s Operation Aware campaign, police issued 266 traffic infringements statewide.
Those offences included 62 speeding infringements, 39 mobile phone offences and 16 traffic signal breaches.
Senior Police Warn of Devastating Consequences
Road Policing Acting Assistant Commissioner Justin Goldsmith said pedestrian safety must remain a priority.
“We’ve seen a concerning spike of pedestrian deaths and injuries during April,” he said.
He added that police intelligence helps identify where and why pedestrian trauma occurs.
Police will use highway patrols, bike patrols, foot patrols and solo units throughout the operation.
Victoria Police also urged all road users to consider how their behaviour affects others on the road.
Pedestrians remain especially vulnerable because they have little physical protection during collisions.
