Various field campaigns were carried out at the Public Agency for Transport Safety (AVP) in cooperation with the municipal councils for prevention this October. Pedestrian awareness and alerting was carried out in more than 60 locations (at the most dangerous places) across Slovenia.
Pedestrians, traffic, intersection
In total, they have distributed more than 10,000 reflective tapes that can greatly improve visibility in traffic, which is communicated by the campaign Be VIDEN, be careful.
In October, a public pedestrian observation was carried out at the Public Agency for Traffic Safety, with 1,227 pedestrians being observed in three days in different locations across Slovenia, and the observation took place from 12 to 15 and from 4 to 7 pm.
What do the results of the observation show?
By gender, there were slightly more women (56%) at the observed pedestrian locations, with the highest number of pedestrians among the pedestrians (38%), followed by young people (26%), the elderly and children representing 17% each.
About the use of reflectors, the data showed that the proportion of use of different reflectors is extremely low. Thus, only 1.2% of pedestrians had a fire or reflective band, and 4.2% had another reflective surface. The vast majority of pedestrians did not use any reflector (93%). However, about half of the pedestrians were indeed dressed in reflective clothing, which may also be related to the dry and beautiful weather at the time of observation.
What are the most common pedestrian violations?
During the observation, it turned out that 77% of pedestrians acted concerning traffic behavior, and almost 22% of pedestrians violated a certain rule. Inappropriate behavior was dominated by crossing outside the marked pedestrian crossing (71%) and using a mobile phone or headset while walking in traffic (16%), followed by crossing the middle of the intersection and at a red pedestrian light.
How can each pedestrian secure his or her safety?
Pedestrians:
1. Pave the pavement - If there is no pavement, walk along the left edge of the roadway for an overview of the vehicles in front.
2. BE VISIBLE - Drivers should notify you in time, so make sure you:
Wear light clothing and reflectors - Use a portable flashlight when walking at night outside the village.
Avoid the driver's blind spot because he can't see you (especially problematic for trucks and buses);
Make eye contact with the driver - so make sure he is noticed;
3. ROAD OVER TO THE HIGHLIGHTS
4. BE CAREFUL - Look left, right and left again before crossing.
How to handle a pedestrian on the highway?
Last year, as many as five pedestrians died on improper handling of Slovenian roads.
1. DO NOT STOP ON THE HIGHWAY - If it is not necessary due to an accident or vehicle breakdown, make sure you do not stop on the highway as it is extremely dangerous.
2. CARE FOR VISIBILITY - Use a mandatory reflective vest.
3. REMOVE SAFETY - Best for the guardrail and forward of the car to reduce the likelihood of an oncoming vehicle crash.
4. CALL THE HELP OF THE RELEVANT SERVICE
5. DO NOT GO ON THE ROAD - Keep in mind that the seat belt is also not safe as vehicle speeds are high.
How can you, as a driver, ensure pedestrian safety?
1. BE PREPARED - Be especially prepared in the settlements and near pedestrian crossings to stop suddenly. Especially be careful near schools, kindergartens and playgrounds, and elsewhere, where there are often children and the elderly who are particularly vulnerable.
2. REDUCE SPEED - Pedestrians are difficult to spot in the dark or dusk, especially when they are not using reflectors, so you need to be extra alert and slow down.
3. WAIT - Pedestrians can be expected at all times, even where prohibited (at AC, outside the village). When turning, be sure to always pay attention to pedestrians and cyclists coming from the side, as they are easily overlooked.
4. ENABLE SAFE CROSSING - Always stop pedestrians at the pedestrian crossing as they have priority, allowing them to cross the road safely.
5. BE CAREFULLY WARNING WHEN TURNING - In addition to turning, always pay attention to pedestrians and cyclists coming from the side, as they are easily overlooked. Do not overtake or drive past a vehicle that has stopped a pedestrian crossing the road.
