Mobiles and mp3s 'put pedestrians at risk'

Date: 20/10/2010

Devices such as mobile phones and mp3 players put pedestrians in danger by distracting them when they cross the road, it has been suggested.

Karen Delaney, Communications Manager at DriveSafe, said people have incorporated the handsets into their daily lives and therefore pay more attention to them than they do to the world around them.

"We all know that we should look both ways before crossing the street but it is easy to forget if you are reading messages or listening to a track on your mp3," she continued.

Statistics released by DriveSafe that found over half of the 100 pedestrians that were killed or seriously injured on Bolton's roads between 2007 and 2009 were harmed as a direct result of them not paying attention, the Bolton News reports.

In response, the Greater Manchester road safety group has launched a new campaign entitled Don't Live Your Life in a Bubble.

Last month, online pressure group Tune into Traffic told a safety conference the use of mobile phones and iPods while driving are putting lives at risk.

Posted by Sarah Bailey