Crossing a street may seem to be a simple task, but because of the many distractions that can take a drivers attention off the road pedestrians are at risk of being hit. This is why crossing signs and all of the different traffic signals are public health. Traffic signals and crossing signs serve to protect the public, both those behind the wheel, and those on their feet from sharing streets without creating accidents, and providing clear signals to direct which kind of traffic is allowed the right of way. This is a great example of how public health and the Department of Transportation "assures" that regardless of an individuals' choice to move from place to place, we can all safely arrive at our violating these regulations also allow for the development of penalties and sanctions. This aspect is as important because it enforces the severity of violating rules that may affect an individuals' quality of life, and it maintains the steady cycle of "assessment, policy development, and assurance" that Public Health bases its field upon. Think about all of this the next time you hear the joke, "Why did the chicken cross the road" don't hurt your brain searching for an answer. Rest assured that no matter what his motive was public health has done its best to assure he got across safely.
Krista, Taujihana, Maria, Gracemarie
Cross walks and intersections are certainly great examples of public health. Intersections can be dangerous for both pedestrian and driver even with these signals. Without them, there is no way to tell how many more fatalities would occur.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of Public Health, I like to think of unusual everyday things we take advantage of. I enjoyed this example, especially the cross walk sign. My group did sidewalks so these two things have a public health partnership! It is important in many busy towns and roadways to have crosswalks available. The signs and buttons enhance the crossing experience. The walker can be assured to cross the road safely without guessing a cars speed or direction when the driver may not use his car’s signal lights. The crossing signals now even have a count down, so the crosser knows how much time they have before the traffic light will continue the flow of traffic. The crossing signals seem pretty simple for every person to use. Yet, it is still important and the crosser’s responsibility to be alert and pay attention to their surroundings. The drivers on the street may be watching traffic, have blind spots, and even nowadays distracting themselves with a phone, taking their attention away from pedestrians. Traffic lights are agreed to also be public health creating a flow for traffic, without chaos. Without these things in our daily lives, the roads wouldn’t be as safe for drivers and pedestrians alike.
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though people only think about the importance of things like this when they don't have them. Bringing this issue close to home, there are no crosswalks at the intersection of Holly and 50th, an area with a large amount of foot traffic. Many students live in the numerous apartment complexes across the street from campus and walk to class, and dodging cars coming at you at 45mph is scary. There has already been one person hit by a car at this intersection that I know of, and it really makes me appreciate being able to use the crosswalks elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteAfter class one day about 2-3 weeks ago I thought about how the crossing signals relate to public health. As you mentioned it is very easy to get distracted while driving. I found the crossing signals even beneficial to me as a driver. The count down can be seen long before you come to the intersection. I use it as a signal to slow down and/or prepare to stop. Although it does not always mean the light is going to turn red, it's just my little reminder here and there to slow down.
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