Watch your step

Pedestrians are being reminded to not let technological distractions put them in positions of danger.
NRMA CTP claims data shows that a pedestrian a day is injured on NSW roads and that a number of these are the result of distractions such as mp3 players and mobile phones.

NRMA Insurance spokesperson John Hallal said “The main concern is that the technology forces us to split our attention between two tasks, which can be dangerous if we’re crossing or exercising on busy roads,”

“If you’re listening to an MP3 player while walking, you’re not likely to hear what’s happening around you"

“Most people have seen examples of pedestrians who are talking on their mobile phones and just walk out into the path of an oncoming car because their attention is on the conversation rather than on the traffic,” he said.

“We recommend pedestrians don’t use MP3 players while walking or jogging in busy traffic and stop to have a conversation on a mobile or write a text.

Mr Hallal did not however level the blame solely at pedestrians and reminded drivers to exercise caution in high danger situations “We also urge drivers to look out for pedestrians, especially at peak times and always observe speed restrictions around school zones, high pedestrian activity areas and near crossings,”