THE police agree with Ms Yuen Mei Peng, who wrote the letter 'Pedestrians must be careful too' (my paper, July 11), highlighting that pedestrians should also keep a proper look out for vehicles.

The traffic police's road safety education strategy covers pedestrian education as well. Indeed, we have been paying extra attention on pedestrian safety, especially the young and the elderly, by urging them to protect themselves.

We advise them to be visible, to obey traffic signals and use designated pedestrian crossings when available, as well as to keep a proper look out when crossing the road.

This is done through various channels like regular road safety talks, exhibitions, and the dissemination of public education materials.

While reminding pedestrians to do their part, we must also recognise that motorists in their vehicles have a greater responsibility.

In an accident, chances are the pedestrian's injury would be more serious than the motorist's.

This is why the focus of Road Safety Outreach 2008 is on asking motorists to help protect pedestrians and other vulnerable road users like motorcyclists and pedal cyclists.

Motorists, while on the road, should remain alert and anticipate sudden occurrences, such as people dashing into their path, so that they can take evasive action.

We also remind motorists that they have a duty to slow down when approaching pedestrian crossings.

At the end of the day, the important thing is not whether the pedestrian or the motorist had kept a look out for whom, or who had the right of way.

It is about saving lives on the roads.

Look Out. Stay Safe.

Ms Audrey Ang
Assistant Director
(Media Relations)
Singapore Police Force

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