Distracted driving or walking

#ItCanWait

Whether behind the wheel or on foot, your attention can save lives!!

Did you know that mobile phone use while driving increases the risk of a crash by four times? For texting, the risk increases 23 times. 

Cellphones have become part of our daily lives. Besides a call and messaging a friend, family member or colleague, cellphones have become our newspapers, entertainment, cameras, wallets, shopping lists and our maps. Growing evidence confirms, if you are driving or walking, being distracted by your cellphone significantly increases the risk of a road incident. And any road incident can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

We appeal to all road users to never use a cellphone while driving or walking. Any kind of distraction is extremely dangerous, even eating or changing your playlist.

Pay attention to the road at all times, especially during winter or low visibility conditions. No call or text message is worth risking your life, or someone elses. 

Tips for drivers

• Put your phone away: Use flight mode or keep your phone out of reach.
• Programme your GPS before you start moving: Don’t fumble with it on the road.
• Select you playlist before driving- its much more enjoyable that way.
• No multitasking: Don’t eat or groom while driving, even on slow moving traffic.
• Pull over safely if you urgently need to send a text or take a call: Don’t text or call while on the road.
• Use hands-free systems where available and only when necessary: Even voice commands can be distracting.

Tips for pedestrians

• Keep your head up, not your eyes on your phone: Avoid texting or browsing while walking.
• Pause music, turn down volume or remove earphones when crossing roads: Hearing is as important as seeing.
• Use crossings and obey pedestrian signals: Don’t assume drivers see you.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing: Ensure they’ve seen you before stepping off the curb.
• Be especially cautious at night or when visibility is poor: Visibility is reduced for everyone.
• Avoid walking while under the influence: Impaired judgment and slower reactions increase risks.

A mere second’s distraction can cause immense harm, serious injury or worse. Your life, and that of other road users, matter and is not worth the risk.

By taking personal responsibility when using roads, you directly contribute to better conditions and safer Western Cape roads.

No text message or phone call is worth a human life. Whatever it is, #ItCanWait.