Australia Post Urges Drivers to Watch Out After 280 Posties Injured in Traffic Collisions
Australia Post has released sobering dashcam footage showing postal workers being struck by vehicles as the service reveals more than 280 delivery workers were injured in traffic collisions over the past year. The disturbing videos come with a heartfelt plea to motorists: "keep an eye out for our posties."
The Human Toll of Road Dangers
The statistics paint a concerning picture of workplace safety for Australia's postal delivery personnel. With at least five posties injured each week, these essential workers are suffering everything from broken limbs and concussions to serious lacerations while simply doing their jobs.
"Our posties are out there every day, in all weather conditions, delivering important parcels and letters to communities across Australia," said an Australia Post spokesperson. "They're someone's parent, child, or friend—and they deserve to return home safely at the end of their shift."
Dashcam Footage Reveals Close Calls
The newly released footage captures several near-misses and actual collisions, showing posties on motorcycles and electric delivery vehicles being sideswiped, rear-ended, and even struck by cars making sudden turns without checking their blind spots.
One particularly harrowing clip shows a postal worker being thrown from their motorcycle after a car fails to yield at an intersection. Another captures a close call where a driver narrowly misses a postie who had to swerve to avoid a collision.
Safety Campaign and Driver Awareness
Australia Post is using this footage as part of a broader safety campaign aimed at increasing driver awareness. The organization emphasizes that many of these incidents are preventable with more careful driving and increased attention to vulnerable road users.
"We're asking all drivers to please slow down around our posties, give them space, and be patient," the spokesperson added. "A few extra seconds of caution could prevent a life-changing injury."
Industry-Wide Concern
The postal service's safety concerns reflect broader issues facing delivery workers nationwide. As online shopping continues to grow, delivery personnel are spending more time on roads and facing increased risks from traffic congestion and distracted driving.
Australia Post has implemented additional safety training and protective equipment for their workers, but emphasizes that driver awareness remains crucial for preventing accidents.
Read the original article on The Guardian.