A new campaign launched by the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland is reminding drivers and pedestrians to keep their mind on the road and look out for other road users.
Distractions are one of the most common causes of incidents on Scotland’s roads. Not concentrating can result in failure to look properly or failure to judge speed, and can have severe consequences.
A survey commissioned to support the launch of the campaign reported that over 80% of road users said they experienced distraction while on the road, with 38% of those admitting their minds regularly wandered to other activities, tasks, or plans.
Alarmingly, 16% of distracted drivers had been involved in a collision with another vehicle, while 5% collided with a pedestrian.
While drivers are the greatest risk to others, pedestrians also share responsibility for road safety, with nearly half (44%) of distracted pedestrians reporting a near miss with a vehicle.
Running across TV, radio, digital and outdoor channels, the Scotland-wide campaign highlights that the road is a shared space and all road users have a responsibility to keep their mind on the road.
Fiona Hyslop, cabinet secretary for transport, said: “All road users, but especially drivers, have a responsibility to stay focused on the road and make sure they are aware of other road users at all times.
“This research shows how easy it is for both drivers and pedestrians to become distracted, and the consequences of these distractions have the potential to be devastating.
“It’s important to ensure our attention always remains firmly on the road.”
The campaign has been supported by Mindfulness Scotland and offers advice to help people let go of common distractions as best they can, allowing their attention to stay with what they’re doing in the present moment.
The following tips from Mindfulness Scotland are intended to help pedestrians and drivers stay focused on the road:
- Stay physically grounded while driving
- Use your breathing to steady your focus
- Describe the moment you are in
- Notice distractions early
- Bring your attention to your senses
A stakeholder toolkit is available via the Road Safety Scotland website.
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