Australia Post has urged Katherine drivers to stay alert.

Australia Post is calling on drivers in Katherine and surrounds to stay alert after recording two postie injuries on the area’s roads in the last financial year, contributing to the state’s total of 12.

With Australia Post investing $30 million into safety over the next 12 months, Group Executive Safety, Wellbeing & Safety Management, Peter Bass, said they aim to address the biggest safety challenges facing posties.

“One injury is one too many, and to have two in Katherine and its surrounds is just not acceptable, especially with the busy Christmas period around the corner,” Mr Bass said.

“On average, every workday three posties are involved in safety accidents across the country which is why we need drivers to be mindful.

“We are always looking for ways to keep our people and the communities we work in safe, especially as we approach the busy Christmas period. One of the things we are doing is replacing motorcycles on appropriate rounds with electric-assisted bikes and electric delivery vehicles, which are safer modes of transport.

“We ask drivers to watch out for other road users, slow down, minimise distractions and put away their mobile phones,” Mr Bass said.

Expecting even more posties on the road as they approach peak delivery season, Mr Bass said they are tackling safety issues from the ground up.

“Unrestrained or reactive dogs, reversing cars and drivers speeding through roundabouts also pose a risk to not just our people, but other road users and pedestrians. Our work to address these issues will help us create a safer environment for everyone,” said Mr Bass.

Katherine safety statistics FY18:

-          Road injuries: 2

-          Dog incidents: 2

Top tips for the community:

·         Put your mobile phone out of reach when driving

·         Slow down when approaching roundabouts

·         Use your mirrors and check your blind spots for motorcycles and cyclists before turning or changing lanes

·         When reversing out of your driveway, toot your horn and move slowly

·         If you have dogs, make sure to keep them securely confined to your property

·         Keep your dog leashed when off your property

NT hotspots:

1.       Casuarina

2.       Katherine

3.       Palmerston