Reader's Response Draft 2 - 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 to combat 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 address the possible problems that may be faced.

Firstly, the implementation of LED strips may cause a misunderstanding to pedestrians that it is fine to cross the road while using their phones, defeating the purpose of raising awareness of road safety. LTA should not be condoning such behaviours as children will learn from their bad examples. While the pedestrian crossing may show a green man, one must still ensure that vehicles come to stop before crossing (Pakri, 2017) as drivers such as those who drink and drive may be at fault too. For instance, in a news article, a car which was making a right turn knocked down a girl who was crossing the road while looking at her phone even though the green man was flashing (Ho, 2017). Hence, LTA should start by educating pedestrians not to use their phones when crossing the road.

Secondly, the LED strips are difficult to notice during the day, especially in the afternoon. Although LEDs are bright and luminous, the sun makes it difficult for pedestrians to notice. In the article “New Flashing LED Strips for Pedestrians at 2 Traffic-Light Crossings” (Chua, 2017), an interview was conducted whereby only four out of 23 pedestrians stated that they noticed the LED strips. Even though one interviewee was looking in the direction of the strips, he did not notice it as the colour does not show. However, the LED strips show up very well at night, capturing people’s attention. Hence, the LED strips should be strong enough to overcome the power of sunlight, else people may overlook its existence.

Lastly, the colour of LED strips may not always be right, just like traffic lights which may malfunction. In the article “Traffic Light Problems Caused Family's Car to Crash at Lydden Hill, Dover, Says Mum Charlotte Byrom” (Lennon, 2017), an accident happened because of the defective traffic lights which showed all green, causing two cars to crash into each other. Fortunately, there were no deaths but it shows that people have to be alert even when the lights display green. In the case of the LED strips, pedestrians have to be aware and pay attention to their surroundings. There could be severe consequences if the LED strips malfunction and they cross the road. Hence, LTA could look into ensuring that their traffic lights are always in good condition before rolling it out islandwide.

In conclusion, while the implementation of LED strips is a good initiative to help raise awareness, LTA could take further initiatives such as organising campaigns or conducting road safety workshops for pedestrians to increase their knowledge of road safety. At the end of the day, it is all up to a pedestrian to be responsible and aware of his or her own safety.

(621 words)


References

Chua, J. (2017). New Flashing LED Strips for Pedestrians at 2 Traffic-Light Crossings. TODAYonline. Retrieved, May 9, 2017, from
http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new-flashing-led-strips-pedestrians-2-traffic-light-crossings

Ho, O. (2017). Caught on Dash Cam: Girl, Checking Phone, is Hit While Crossing Road at Green Man. The Straits Times. Retrieved, April 24, 2017, from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/caught-on-dash-cam-girl-checking-phone-is-hit-while-crossing-road-at-green-man

Lennon, S. (2017,). Traffic Light Problems Caused Family's Car to Crash at Lydden Hill, Dover, Says Mum Charlotte Byrom. KentOnline. Retrieved, February 9, 2017, from http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/faulty-lights-caused-family-car-120270/

Pakri, S. (2017). Educate 'Smartphone Zombies', Not Accommodate Them. The Straits Times. Retrieved, May 15, 2017, from
http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/educate-smartphone-zombies-not-accommodate-them

Edited: 4 October 2017