Reader's Response Final - Floor Lights (EDITED)

In the article “Floor Lights Help 'Smartphone Zombies' Keep Eye on the Road”, Tan (2017) reported that Land Transport Authority (LTA) has installed LED strips in pavements to help pedestrians be more aware of their surroundings when crossing the road. 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 in areas with high pedestrian activity near popular amenities. It will also light up like the traditional traffic lights, providing a sense of familiarity to the pedestrians. While the LED strips may help to raise awareness of road safety, Tan failed to address the possible problems that may be faced with its implementation.

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. The behaviour of crossing the road while using phones should not be condoned as children will learn from their bad examples. Even though the pedestrian crossing may show a green man, one must still ensure that vehicles come to stop before crossing (Pakri, 2017). Besides pedestrians, vehicle drivers such as those who drink and drive may be at fault too. For instance, in a news article, Ho (2017) described an accident whereby a girl who was using her phone while crossing the road was knocked down by a car, even though the green man was flashing. Hence, pedestrians should be educated on the dangers of using their phones while crossing the road in order to prevent similar accidents.

Secondly, the LED strips are difficult to notice during the day, especially in the afternoon. Although LED strips are bright and luminous, they are not strong enough for pedestrians to notice. In an article, Chua (2017) reported an interview 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 them as the colour was not bright enough to show up under sunlight. As pedestrians are unable to notice the LED strips, the purpose of these strips will often be overlooked. However, the LED strips show up very well at night, capturing people’s attention. Hence, methods of increasing the visibility of the LED strips such as adding more strips could be effective.

Lastly, the colour of LED strips may not always be accurate, just like traffic lights which may malfunction. Lennon (2017) reported an accident that happened due to 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 are flashing 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 the LED strips are always in good condition before implementing it 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. Nevertheless, it is all up to a pedestrian to be responsible and aware of his or her own safety.

(580 words)





 
References

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

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

Lennon, S. (2017, February 9). Traffic light problems caused family's car to crash at Lydden Hill, Dover, says mum Charlotte Byrom. KentOnline. Retrieved from http://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/faulty-lights-caused-family-car-120270/

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

Tan, C. (2017, May 10). Floor lights help 'smartphone zombies' keep eye on the road. The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/floor-lights-help-smartphone-zombies-keep-eye-on-the-road