Pedestrian safety scheme takes to the streets

Date: 6/9/2012

Pedestrians are legitimate road users, just as drivers and cyclists are, but the difference is that they do not have to pass a test in order to use them.

They still have a responsibility to act in a way that does not put their lives or those of others at risk however.

With this in mind the county council in Nottinghamshire is launching a campaign to educate pupils about awareness on the road, with a particular influence on gadgets, reports Chad.

Just as motorists can be distracted by mobile phones and MP3 players, pedestrians are less aware of their surroundings when using these devices.

Nottinghamshire County Council is aiming to cut the number of accidents occurring, which involve pedestrians aged between 11 to 18-year-olds.

Councillor Richard Jackson, chairman of the county council’s transport and highways committee, said:  "It’s a fact of modern life that more and more schoolchildren are using their mobile phones or listening to MP3 players whilst out and about – and unfortunately they can be a distraction."

As school pupils return to their lessons, various parts of the country are having concerted efforts to improve road safety in order to protect children.

A national study which was released last year found that one in ten drivers report having had a near-miss involving a pedestrian engaged in an activity involving a gadget in the past five years.

On top of distributing posters and postcards emblazoned with the message to schools, the county council is also taking another innovative approach.

Metre long stickers are to be positioned on the pavement outside schools, placing the information in exactly where it is needed.

Councillor Jackson said: "The posters and the pavement art are striking but the message, in a nutshell, is simple: don’t be distracted by your mobile phone or MP3 player when out on the street, crossing the road, or riding a bike."

He also pointed out that although motorists should be careful when driving throughout the year, they should take extra care as the new term starts.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

Transport Research News and Vehicle Safety News