27 February 2008
Pedestrian road safety campaign in the Square Mile
Pedestrian accidents in the City have doubled – with distracted
MP3 users especially warned to be careful. Other boroughs
have also seen a strong rise in casualties.
The City of London Corporation’s Road Safety Team is running a
road safety campaign this week, Monday 3 - Friday 7 March,
targeting pedestrians.
Pupils from the City of London School for Girls and boys from
the City of London School will be helping the Road Safety Team
distribute information and advice at mainline rail and tube
stations every morning this week.
Most pedestrian accidents in the City occur because of
inattention.
- Being distracted / using your phone or MP3 player
- Failing to look for traffic properly
- Walking out from between parked vehicles
So the message is “Be alert! Watch out for traffic”.
Matthew Collins, the City’s Road Safety Team Leader said
“Commuters pouring out of the stations, some still half asleep,
must remember to check for traffic before crossing the road. Many
are listening to MP3 players or chatting on their phones unaware of
approaching traffic. Be alert! And watch out for traffic in the
City”.
Ends
Notes for editors
Analysis of the City’s pedestrian casualties:
- In 2006, the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured
increased from 12 to 26, a rise of 117% over the previous
year.
- The figure for “slight casualties” has increased by 8%, from 80
to 86.
The main contributory factor attributes inattention as the main
cause of pedestrian casualties in the City.
Many other London boroughs are also seeing a rise in casualties.
The situation in the City is concerning but not unique. The rise in
pedestrian activity and the significant rise in cycling activity
provide a major challenge.