mobiles on foot and cycling

We’re used to using all our senses when we’re out and about, whether we’re walking or cycling. When we’re talking on a mobile, we’re not really listening to the world around us, or generally paying as much attention as usual.

Making or taking calls, particularly emotional or stressful ones, can be very distracting. So can writing texts. It may seem an obvious point, but this distraction might mean you take less care around traffic, leading to accidents.

This risk is greatly increased if you’re using a music player, especially with headphones. You might not have time to take evasive action, if you never hear an approaching vehicle in the first place.

did you find this article helpful?

We’re sorry to hear that – perhaps one of the related articles below might be of more help to you.

To enable us to improve this site, we’d appreciate it if you’d take a moment to let us know what you felt was wrong with this article.

Not clear enough Too simplistic
Not relevant Too long

 

more on this subject

mobile devices and theft

More and more people carry mobile phones and MP3 players. They’re small, easy to resell and have a relatively high value. Because of this, levels of theft remain quite high. Children and young people form the majority of both victims and perpetrators.

Read more

mobiles and driving

Not only a bad idea, it’s also illegal to use a mobile or any hand-held device while you’re driving. From 2007, the penalties are a minimum £60 fine and three penalty points. All you need to do is be using a mobile behind the wheel, with the engine running.

Read more

street safety - talking points for children

Here are some suggestions to get children and new drivers thinking about using their mobile safely when they’re out and about, driving, cycling or walking.

Read more

where to next?

For Orange’s online teaching resource on staying safe with mobiles, click here. To view our short film click here.