Given what I do for a living, it will come as no surprise to hear that I do tend to notice things while out on the roads! Some of the observations I make are humorous, some are interesting and thought provoking, and others are simply dangerous.
Naturally, trends are formed in all walks of life, and trends certainly form amongst drivers and road users in general.
Take, for example, the increasing number of drivers who think nothing of using their mobile device whilst behind the wheel. While I am sure those who partake in such antics are fully aware of the danger and risk involved – not to mention the fact that doing so is illegal for the very same reasons – they will continue to place the reason for their making that call, or sending that text, at a greater importance than that of the safety and well being of both themselves and other road users.
This mindset is of course a worrying one, and I witness an increasing number of ‘close shaves’ each week due to people driving distracted.
This brings me on to the point of this post: Distracted pedestrians.
As mentioned earlier, trends form. What I am noticing more and more of late is pedestrians stepping into the road ahead without first looking left and right, oblivious to the danger they are putting both themselves and others in.
Often, the cause of the distraction is technology. Pedestrians stepping nonchalantly into the road while engrossed in conversation on their mobile phone is the most common one in my experience. I often see such instances developing amongst pedestrians wearing headphones also.
Please note that I am in no way suggesting that everyone who uses a mobile device, or wears headphones, are the same – I am merely stating my observation.
This got me thinking: Whatever happened to the Green Cross Code Man?!
I was brought up on, ‘Stop! Look! Listen!
And I will never forget the advert from back in the day featuring the legend who is Alvin Stardust! (Those of you of a certain age will know who he is!)
So, in light of that, I have posted a link below to said advert for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbjihwFWZI8
Do you have any thoughts on the post? Do you have an opinion on the subject?
If so, I would be interested to hear it. Please leave your thoughts in the comments box below.
Stay safe out there, and remember, ‘Stop! Look! Listen!’,
Chris
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