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Introduction
Australia Post has released confronting footage revealing the dangers its delivery staff face daily, with more than 280 posties injured in the past year. The footage shows collisions and near misses involving distracted or reckless drivers, as the organisation warns that unsafe driving habits are putting postal workers at serious risk.
Scale of the Problem
According to Australia Post’s latest safety data, posties are being injured at least five times every week across the country. Injuries range from broken limbs, concussions, and lacerations to serious trauma requiring hospitalisation and extended leave.
The organisation said that in addition to physical injuries, many staff are left managing ongoing psychological impacts from these incidents.
Key Causes of Accidents
The accidents have stemmed from common forms of driver negligence, including:
- Failing to give way or leaving inadequate stopping distance
- Cutting corners or overtaking posties on the wrong side of the road
- Using mobile phones while driving
- Failing to check for postal workers or scooters on footpaths
Australia Post said this behaviour was becoming increasingly dangerous as urban deliveries expand to include footpaths, e-bikes, and shared mobility routes.
Australia Post Response
Australia Post general manager of safety Russell Munro said the statistics were deeply concerning:
“Every day our team members are out in communities delivering for Australians, but increasingly, they’re also being put at risk by unsafe driver behaviour.”
He said the organisation has introduced multiple safety measures, including:
- Reducing its traditional motorcycle delivery fleet
- Expanding use of electric delivery vehicles (EDVs)
- Upgrading telematics systems with real-time video and data monitoring
Munro noted that injuries in collisions are significantly lower when staff use EDVs, saying some workers involved in crashes had walked away with only minor injuries thanks to the vehicles’ added protection.
Shared Responsibility on the Roads
Australia Post has urged motorists to be more mindful when sharing the road with posties.
“Our priority is to ensure our people return home safely to their families each day,” Munro said.
“However, road safety is a shared responsibility. We urge all drivers to keep an eye out for our posties and take extra care.”
Conclusion
With more than 280 postal workers injured in just 12 months, Australia Post’s warning highlights a growing national concern around driver distraction and safety awareness. The organisation’s investment in new technology and fleet changes aims to protect its workers, but it says real progress depends on all road users sharing responsibility to make Australian streets safer.