Tech | October 08, 2008 | 11 comments

'Podestrians' pose new threat to road safety

source: http://uk.gizmodo.com/2008/10/08/podestrians_pose_new_threat_to.html

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purplefox
A UK insurance firm has expressed concern over the rising number of 'Podestrians', or people who wander around wearing noise-cancelling headphones and MP3 players without paying attention to oncoming vehicles. Apparently these people account for 9% of minor accidents, with 62% of them being identified as kids or teenagers.

The image above comes from an Australian road safety campaign aimed at bringing awareness to music-loving pedestrians.

I certainly agree that not being able to hear oncoming traffic increases the chances of an accident, though I don't think listening to MP3 players is neccesarily dangerous - just if the volume's too loud or headphones block out all noise. All if it's a particularly engrossing album.
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11 comments // 'Podestrians' pose new threat to road safety

  • SonofLiberty1
  • BIOHAZARD
    • 0
      BIOHAZARD  

    • I concur but shit you have to be pretty off the wall to now know whats going on, one headphone on one off, or just dont walk out into on coming traffic, that simple !

    • 4 years ago
  • HughbertD
    • 0
      HughbertD  
    • Image

    • This has happened to me recently.

      Whilst riding my bike I heard "Diplodocus" drop for the first time.

      I forgot where I was, tried to brock out, and nearly fell off my bike.

      The moral is don't listen to DUTTY-TUNES-THAT-NEED-TO-BE-WHEEEELED-UP whilst riding.

    • 4 years ago
  • JanaPokana
    • 0
      JanaPokana  

    • I did not know there was a name for it, but I am definitely a podestrian! I know I should be more careful, but once you start listening to music while walking, there is just no way to stop!

    • 4 years ago
  • GeoffNI
    • 0
      GeoffNI  

    • I use a Nokia N95 when I am out. I don't believe its any less loud than an iPod and I can still hear the traffic. I carry alot of New Age, Ambient Music on my phone, I do warn that Hypnotic music could maybe make you less aware of your surronding :)

    • 4 years ago
  • MiguelSanchez
    • 0
      MiguelSanchez  

    • "Apparently these people account for 9% of minor accidents"

      But more than 9% of people use headphones, so they're LESS likely to be hit by cars?

    • 4 years ago
  • emmahill
  • SonofLiberty1
    • 0
      SonofLiberty1  

    • Yeah, happened to me too...

      Kid wasn't wearing earphones but talking on his cell riding his bike.

      Joggers do it, with or without headphones, jogging

      IN THE STREET not on the side walk.

      And the older senior citizens and not so old...walking

      ON THE STREET not on the sidewalk.

      Look out folks..these idiots mean business...

      NO COMMON SENSE!

    • 4 years ago
  • rebecca22
  • EclecticBadger
  • mattbrawn
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