An animation campaign called “I might not see you” has been released today to help make roads and footpaths safer for people with vision impairment.
Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria have used animated ‘heroes’ walking the streets and encountering different road safety situations to illustrate the issues and daily challenges faced by people who are blind or have low vision.
Ms Maryanne Diamond AO, General Manager of Advocacy and Engagement at Vision Australia and Ms Karen Hayes, CEO of Guide Dogs Victoria said the road safety campaign aimed to lift the public’s understanding of what they can do to help make roads and footpaths safer for people with vision impairment.
“The research is compelling with 1 in 12 people who are blind or have low vision being struck by a vehicle or cyclist in the past 5 years,” said Ms Diamond.
Road safety is a big challenge in the day-to-day lives of people who are blind or have low vision,” said Ms Hayes.
“We developed the animation to encourage drivers and cyclists to be aware of all pedestrians, but particularly those with vision impairment,” said Ms Diamond.
“It’s so common for cyclists, drivers and other road users to go through their daily routines and forget there are people who are blind or have low vision using our streets. But imagine you were responsible for an accident – that would certainly alter your awareness in future,” said Ms Hayes.
“While service providers like Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria work to prevent people with vision impairment from having accidents by assisting them to learn to move independently and safely in the community, there is still a public responsibility to exercise vigilance and awareness on the roads,” said Ms Diamond.
“This campaign highlights how small changes to public awareness can make a big difference,” said Ms Hayes.
Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder, congratulated Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria on the development of the campaign.
“Anything that can be done to raise awareness of the challenges people who are blind or have low vision face is to be embraced.
“Ensuring the safety of all pedestrians is of the utmost importance.
“The ‘I might not see you’ campaign highlights the importance of each and every one of us remembering that our actions and behaviour when on our roads can have a significant impact on those around us,” Mr. Mulder said.
Ms Diamond said staff at Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria had dedicated their time and expertise to the development of this awareness campaign.
“We believe the animations reflect common scenarios that will resonate strongly with the public and play an important role in delivering greater peace of mind to those who are most vulnerable,” Ms Diamond said.
Developed by Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria, the road safety campaign is supported through the Victorian Community Road Safety Partnership Program. The campaign follows a Monash University Accident Research Centre study which revealed that one in 12 pedestrians living with blindness were hit by a motor vehicle or cyclist, and one in five experienced a near miss in the past five years.
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Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria have used animated ‘heroes’ walking the streets and encountering different road safety situations to illustrate the issues and daily challenges faced by people who are blind or have low vision.
Ms Maryanne Diamond AO, General Manager of Advocacy and Engagement at Vision Australia and Ms Karen Hayes, CEO of Guide Dogs Victoria said the road safety campaign aimed to lift the public’s understanding of what they can do to help make roads and footpaths safer for people with vision impairment.
“The research is compelling with 1 in 12 people who are blind or have low vision being struck by a vehicle or cyclist in the past 5 years,” said Ms Diamond.
Road safety is a big challenge in the day-to-day lives of people who are blind or have low vision,” said Ms Hayes.
“We developed the animation to encourage drivers and cyclists to be aware of all pedestrians, but particularly those with vision impairment,” said Ms Diamond.
“It’s so common for cyclists, drivers and other road users to go through their daily routines and forget there are people who are blind or have low vision using our streets. But imagine you were responsible for an accident – that would certainly alter your awareness in future,” said Ms Hayes.
“While service providers like Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria work to prevent people with vision impairment from having accidents by assisting them to learn to move independently and safely in the community, there is still a public responsibility to exercise vigilance and awareness on the roads,” said Ms Diamond.
“This campaign highlights how small changes to public awareness can make a big difference,” said Ms Hayes.
Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder, congratulated Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria on the development of the campaign.
“Anything that can be done to raise awareness of the challenges people who are blind or have low vision face is to be embraced.
“Ensuring the safety of all pedestrians is of the utmost importance.
“The ‘I might not see you’ campaign highlights the importance of each and every one of us remembering that our actions and behaviour when on our roads can have a significant impact on those around us,” Mr. Mulder said.
Ms Diamond said staff at Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria had dedicated their time and expertise to the development of this awareness campaign.
“We believe the animations reflect common scenarios that will resonate strongly with the public and play an important role in delivering greater peace of mind to those who are most vulnerable,” Ms Diamond said.
Developed by Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria, the road safety campaign is supported through the Victorian Community Road Safety Partnership Program. The campaign follows a Monash University Accident Research Centre study which revealed that one in 12 pedestrians living with blindness were hit by a motor vehicle or cyclist, and one in five experienced a near miss in the past five years.
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