Hazards of Cell Phones and Headphones While Walking

VEHICLE ACCIDENT DATANational Highway Traffic Safety Administration Data

• Fatalities of pedestrians rose 4.2%

• Injured 19% increase (2009-2010)

• 2000 to 2009 there was a continuous decrease of 14% over 9 years

• State University of New York (Forbes):

60% of people will walk off coarse • Ohio State

1500 people treated at the ER (2012)

SUBWAY CELL PHONE ACCIDENT

UMD KIRBY PLAZA

• 1 hour surveillance was taken at Kirby plaza crosswalk (UMD)

• 8:30 am to 9:30 am

• 42 of 124 (34%) students getting on/off the bus were using:

• Cell phone

• Tablet/Ipad

• Ipod

• Other electronic devices

• Headphones

CROSSWALK WARNINGS

1

234

Speed Limit Posted 20-MPH

1. Light up Crosswalk Indicator Sign2. Crosswalk Sign + Arrow3. Center Crosswalk Pylon4. Crosswalk Lines (Painted, Non reflective)

Exit Point

Exit Point

Warning Devices

Warning Device

BRAKING DISTANCE

Drive & Stay Alive (DSA)

• Estimated braking distance at 20 mph

• Thinking distance = 20 ft. (time it takes to react to stop)

• Braking distance = 20 ft. (time it takes car to stop)

• TOTAL = 40 ft.

• WHAT ABOUT 5 MPH???

http://www.driveandstayalive.com/info%20section/stopping-distances.htm

INTERVENTION/RECOMMENDATIONS (UMD)

STUDENT WARNINGS• Warning on the front of a bus

• Awareness Program

• Although you have the right away, drivers may not be paying attention

• Be a defensive walker

• Warning signs for students (similar to vehicle warning signs)

• Audio (Warning you are approaching cross walk)

• Airport: warning you are approaching the end of a moving walk way

DRIVER WARNINGS• Crosswalk Lights

• Enforcement

• Slower speed limit

• Additional sign (5 MPH prior to the crosswalk)

VERY FEW SIGNS FOR PEDESTRIANS TO CAUTION

NEW WARNING SIGNS TAILORED TOWARDS PEDESTRIANS

Watch for Cars

Watch for Cars

Watch for cars

Mounted on the bus

Put on the side of existing pylon!!!