5 tips to keep pedestrians safe
When we were kids, it was drummed into us to look both ways before crossing the road. Look right, left, then right again to make sure nothing is coming and then, when the coast is clear, safely cross to the other side. As we enter Adelaide’s festival season, these pedestrian rules are more important than ever before.
Over the past five years 59 pedestrians were killed on South Australian roads, according to State Government data. The figures for metropolitan Adelaide are even more alarming with pedestrians accounting for more than one in five road deaths in the same period.
In 2021, there were nine pedestrian fatalities across metro Adelaide – that’s a staggering 29% of total road deaths in the area. A further three were killed in regional SA.
Despite being the most vulnerable and exposed road users out there, pedestrians share an equal responsibility to do the right thing. To help, samotor has identified several common scenarios where pedestrians have to be extra careful.
1. Texting and walking
Calling someone, sending a text, checking social media, taking a selfie – there are so many ways mobile phones capture our undivided attention. That’s okay if you’re relaxing with a coffee at a café but if you’re stretching your legs, it could be dangerous.
When focussing on your phone, you’re not fully aware of your surroundings, and that’s a big problem when vehicles are zooming all over the place.
Accidentally step in front of a moving car, bus, truck, or even mobility scooter, and you could be looking at an unexpected trip to the hospital or worse. It’s best to put your phone away and concentrate on where you’re walking.
