Reader's Response Draft 1 - Floor Lights

In the article “Floor Lights Help 'Smartphone Zombies' Keep Eye on the Road”, Tan (2017) reports that Land Transport Authority (LTA) has installed LED strips in pavements to help pedestrians be more aware of their surroundings when crossing the road. The initiative could be useful in combatting the rise in pedestrians who are always looking at their mobile devices. Tan highlighted statistics provided by the Traffic Police showing that there was a 5.4% increase in traffic accidents involving pedestrians as compared to 2015. These LED strips are placed on trial at areas with high pedestrian activity to determine its effectiveness in raising awareness of road safety. It will also light up like the traditional traffic lights, providing a sense of familiarity to the pedestrians.
While the implementation of LED strips may help to raise awareness of road safety, LTA failed to discuss the problems that may be faced.

The implementation of LED strips may encourage pedestrians to think that it is fine to cross the road while using their phones and rely on the lights to help them. Instead of encouraging such behaviour, LTA should be discouraging it. These pedestrians are setting a bad example to kids, letting them think that it is fine to cross the road without looking. Even though the green man on the traffic light is for pedestrians to cross, one must still ensure that vehicles have stopped before crossing. A green man does not mean that it is completely safe for pedestrians to cross. Sometimes, drivers may be the one at fault, such as those who drink and drive or those who drive too fast and lose control. For instance, in an article posted by The Straits Times, a girl who was crossing the road with eyes glued to her phone was knocked down by a car which was making a turn, even though the green man was in favour of the pedestrian.

Even though LED is supposed to be bright and luminous, the ones placed on trial are not noticeable in the daytime, especially during the noon when the sun is very strong. An article posted by TODAY conducted an interview whereby only 4 out of 23 pedestrians stated that they noticed the LED strips. Even though one interviewee was looking in the direction of the strip, he still did not notice it as the colour does not show.

In conclusion, the LED strips is a good initiative to help raise awareness of road safety. However, LTA could take further initiatives like holding campaigns or conducting road safety workshops for pedestrians to raise awareness.