Data from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency shows crashes involving pedestrians in Dunedin from January to October this year rose 50%, from 26 to 39, compared with the same period the previous year.
Pedestrians seriously injured in crashes on Dunedin roads rose 116%, from six to 13, compared with 2022, and the number of minor-injury crashes involving pedestrians doubled, from 12 to 24.
Dunedin police acting area road policing manager Keith Braithwaite said the increase in crashes and injuries was "quite disappointing".
"Slow down, take your time and stay alert. Nothing is so urgent that you need to put yourself or others at risk."
The data from the NZTA showed the top two causes of crashes involving pedestrians were pedestrian factors and poor observation by drivers.
Other common factors included alcohol and/or drugs, failing to give way or stop and incorrect positioning in lanes.
Non-injury crashes were down 85%, from seven to one,
and fatal crashes involving pedestrians remained the same — one person died in a crash involving a pedestrian between January and October 2022, and one person in the same period this year.
"Fully concentrate on driving by avoiding any distractions such as cellphones, and obviously, don’t drive at all if you’re impeded by either alcohol or drugs.
"Likewise for pedestrians — you know, just stop and check thoroughly before entering on to the roadway, and use a controlled crossing if there is one available."
A hot spot for crashes involving pedestrians was Dunedin Central, with a doubling of incidents from eight to 16.
Mosgiel and north Dunedin also saw increases, with a 60% increase, from two to five, in Mosgiel and an increase from zero in north Dunedin in 2022 to five there this year.
An NZTA spokeswoman said the key thing for motorists and people on bikes and scooters to remember was pedestrians were vulnerable and might sometimes move unpredictably.
"People need to build in braking time if there are pedestrians around and keep everyone safe.
"Pedestrians may be older or younger members of the community and that needs to be built into people’s thinking. Not everyone can move or react fast."
The spokeswoman said pedestrians at crossings needed to make sure the car was stopping before stepping out.
"If you see young children waiting at a pedestrian crossing, help them cross safely, make eye contact with the drivers, make sure they know you are crossing. Small people may be below the vision or in the blind spots of people in large vehicles."
