Safety group DEKRA Accident Research has called for pedestrians to avoid distractions when crossing the road after a study found that almost 17% use their smartphones while exposed to traffic.

 

The study took place in six European capital cities: Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Rome and Stockholm. Nearly 14,000 walkers were observed at busy intersections and pedestrian crossings near the city centres, at public transport stops and at train stations, where their smartphone use was documented.

 

Across all cities and age groups just under 8% of pedestrians were seen texting while crossing the street. A further 2.6% made calls and 1.4% did both at the same time. Around 5% wore headphones without speaking, so were judged to be listening to music.

 

“Making calls, listening to music, using apps and texting all cause a risk of distraction in road traffic,” said DEKRA’s automotive lead Clemens Klinke. “Many pedestrians clearly underestimate the dangers for their own safety if they divert their attention from events on the street in this way.”

 

Younger pedestrians were found to use their smartphone more frequently than older ones, with overall use being most intensive within the 25 to 35 age group at 22%.

 

DEKRA points to accident statistics from the German Federal Statistical Office which show that approximately 10% of deaths on the country’s roads are caused by pedestrians acting inappropriately. Around half of these cases involve pedestrians failing to pay attention to vehicles on the road.

 

Following DEKRA’s study Mr Klinke recommended: “When you are in among road traffic as a pedestrian, you should keep your undivided attention on the traffic in the interest of your own safety.

 

“After all, as an unprotected road user, you face a much higher risk in the event of an accident. And distraction caused by smartphone use should never be underestimated.”

 

(Photo: DEKRA)