New Safety Signs in Budapest Aim to End the “Zombie Zebra” Phenomenon

Hey there, have you heard about the new safety signs popping up around Budapest? The local government is taking a stand against the so-called “zombie zebra” phenomenon, and it’s about time!

So, what exactly is a “zombie zebra,” you ask? Well, it’s not an actual zombie or a zebra, but rather a term used to describe pedestrians who are so engrossed in their smartphones or music that they become oblivious to their surroundings while crossing the street. You know, those folks who walk around with their heads down, eyes glued to their screens, and earbuds firmly in place, completely unaware of the potential dangers around them.

The XI. District Council in Budapest has decided to tackle this issue head-on by painting attention-grabbing pictograms in front of several pedestrian crossings in Újbuda. These signs are designed to remind pedestrians, especially younger ones, to put down their devices and take out their earphones when crossing the street. After all, being distracted by your phone or music can dull your senses and take your attention away from the world around you, which can be incredibly dangerous when navigating traffic.

But Újbuda isn’t the only district taking action. The II. District Council has also implemented similar pavement markings to draw attention to the risk of accidents. They point out that pedestrians around the world have been injured or even lost their lives because they couldn’t hear or see oncoming traffic due to their headphones or mobile phones.

In fact, this problem isn’t new at all. Back in 2019, the National Police Headquarters launched a nationwide accident prevention campaign to highlight the dangers of smartphone use while walking. They noted that city streets are increasingly filled with pedestrians who keep their heads down, staring at their phones, often unaware of their surroundings and the potential hazards around them. This “zombie effect” leads to people bumping into others and stepping into traffic without paying attention.

According to police data, an average of 2,500 pedestrians were hit by vehicles each year in Hungary, with around 150 of those incidents proving fatal. Although these numbers have decreased slightly, there are still approximately 2,000 pedestrians injured in accidents annually, with over 100 of those collisions resulting in tragedy.

To address this issue, the National Police Headquarters has also launched the “Zebra Plan,” a series of accident prevention checks focused on the safety of pedestrians as vulnerable road users. During these checks, the police pay close attention to both pedestrians and drivers, ensuring they follow the rules and behave responsibly. They may even use body cameras, drones, and unmarked vehicles to monitor the situation.

So, the next time you find yourself in Budapest, keep an eye out for these new safety signs near pedestrian crossings. They serve as a friendly reminder to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially when crossing the street. Remember, no text message or song is worth putting your life at risk!

Let’s all do our part to end the “zombie zebra” phenomenon and make our streets safer for everyone. Stay alert, stay safe, and happy walking!

Image source: cacor