Staying Safe
Don’t leave your senses at the roadside
How many times have you crossed the road without giving it your full attention? All because you were looking at your mobile phone.
We get it; your phone has everything to offer, right at your fingertips. You’ve got music, social media, photos, your social calendar, quick access to bus times – whatever it might be, it’s right there when you want it. But there is a time and a place for it too.
Did you know that 169 11-16 year olds were killed or injured on Hampshire’s roads in 2022?*
Being on your mobile phone whilst crossing the road is taking away many of your vital senses, including your sight and your hearing. If you’re scrolling through your mobile, whilst listening to music, danger signs you would normally pick up on instantly disappear, making you a vulnerable pedestrian.
If you’re listening to music, can you hear the car that is racing around the corner that won’t be able to slow down in time? Have you heard the car beep at you as the driver watches you get closer to the roadside? You’re laughing at something your friend has tagged you in on Instagram, but have you seen the bus that you’re about to step in front of? Have you even acknowledged any danger there, or are you too engrossed in your phone to have even noticed?
This is where you need to take responsibility for your own safety when you are a pedestrian.
As a teenager, you will be a pedestrian on the roadside more than any other age category. You may be walking to and from school on your own or with friends, you may be heading out to meet up in the evenings and on weekends. You need to make sure you and your friends are safe; look after and out for one another. Always make sure you’re a safe distance from the kerb and that you are not being distracted by the behaviours of others. The roadside isn’t not the playground, walk sensibly together and look out for danger.
When out walking near the road, safety needs to be the number one priority. Nothing on your mobile phone is worth the risk of being knocked down and being seriously injured, or even worse, killed! Be smart, be sensible, encourage responsible behaviours and don’t leave your senses at the roadside.
Why are we running this campaign? As the Highway Authority, we have a statutory duty to promote and improve road safety by disseminating information or advice relating to the use of roads.
