As we go about our daily lives, we often forget about the importance of pedestrian safety. According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 million people die every year due to road accidents, and pedestrians account for a significant portion of these fatalities. To address this issue, the Pedestrian Awareness Crosswalk Education organization, or PACE TULSA, has launched a public safety campaign called “Practice Mind On Driving.”
This campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of pedestrian safety and encourage drivers and pedestrians to be more mindful of their surroundings.
The “Practice Mind On Driving” campaign focuses on several key areas, including Gait Kinematics, Peripheral Id, Americans with Disabilities, and Focused Drivers and Pedestrians. Let’s take a closer look at each of these areas and see how they contribute to pedestrian safety.
Gait Kinematics refers to the study of human movement, particularly in relation to walking. By understanding how people move, we can design safer roads and crosswalks that are more conducive to pedestrian safety. For example, crosswalks can be designed with wider sidewalks, shorter crossing distances, and improved lighting to make it easier for pedestrians to navigate.
Peripheral Id refers to the ability to see objects outside of our direct line of vision. This is particularly important when it comes to pedestrian safety, as drivers need to be aware of pedestrians who may be crossing the road from the side. By increasing peripheral vision awareness, drivers can better anticipate potential hazards and take appropriate action to avoid accidents.
Americans with Disabilities refers to the need for accessible infrastructure for those with disabilities. This includes wheelchair ramps, auditory signals at crosswalks, and other accommodations that make it easier for those with disabilities to navigate the streets safely.
Focused Drivers and Pedestrians refers to the need for both drivers and pedestrians to be more aware of their surroundings and avoid distractions. This includes putting away cell phones while driving or walking, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and being alert at all times.
By addressing these key areas, the “Practice Mind On Driving” campaign aims to create safer roads and crosswalks and reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities. As individuals, we can also do our part by being more mindful of our surroundings and adhering to traffic laws.
In conclusion, pedestrian safety is a critical issue that affects us all. Through the “Practice Mind On Driving” campaign, PACE TULSA is taking an important step towards creating safer roads and crosswalks for pedestrians. By increasing awareness and encouraging both drivers and pedestrians to be more mindful, we can work together to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities.
References:
“Pedestrian Safety.” World Health Organization, 2021, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pedestrian-safety.
“Road Safety: Pedestrian Safety.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html.
“Practice Mind On Driving.” PACE TULSA, 2021, https://pacetulsa.wordpress.com/practice-mind-on-driving/.
PACE TULSA 