New safety pleas as another walker hit

Sam Scott

Ponsonby Rd has claimed another pedestrian casualty, reigniting the call for better facilities for those on foot.

Shortland Street director Sam Scott's accident has put her right leg in a brace for at least six weeks, casting doubt on her ability to attend the July opening of her latest theatrical project in Manchester.

The accident, which happened while Ms Scott was crossing the road, follows two serious car-and-pedestrian crashes since last May.

That was when landscape designer Nicole Mace died after being struck by a car while crossing the road near the fire station. Six months later, photographer Jane Ussher was hit by a motor vehicle while using a "refuge" installed to improve pedestrian safety.

Ms Scott said her accident, nine days ago, highlighted the need for more pedestrian crossings.

"The road is so busy generally, and there's all those side streets, so people are constantly turning in, turning out. I just think there's just not enough eyes for [drivers] to be seeing people."

Ms Scott was standing on the median strip between Video Ezy and Italian restaurant SPQR when a car pulling out of a side street hit her, badly crushing her knee. "The registrar actually said to me that it was one of the worst he'd ever seen."

The injury required the insertion of five pins and a plate. She will be in a non-weight-bearing brace for a minimum of six weeks.

"I can't drive for three months, and I can't bear weight on it, so I'm having to master crutches at a great rate."

Living in an apartment building with two flights of stairs but no lifts also does not help.

As this is her third accident as a pedestrian hit by a vehicle, Ms Scott reckons she has "bad car karma".

She has been told it's unlikely she'll be able to attend the Manchester opening of her latest venture, Up Close Out Loud, which is part of an international theatre project.

Auckland City Council's road safety manager, Karen Hay, regretted that another pedestrian accident had occurred on Ponsonby Rd.

She said the council installed three pedestrian refuge islands last July to improve pedestrian safety after 27 accidents, including three fatalities, involving pedestrians on the busy thoroughfare since 2000.

Accidents involving pedestrians in the city had fallen from 246 in 2001 to 169 last year.

ROAD'S TOLL
Ponsonby Rd accidents:

* May 2005 - Landscape designer Nicole Mace dies after being hit by a car as she crosses the road near the fire station.

* November 2005 - New Zealand Listener photographer Jane Ussher suffers serious injuries when hit by a motor vehicle while using a "refuge" installed to improve pedestrian safety.