INTRODUCTION OF THE PEDESTRIAN EARPHONE POLICY

Botswana Police Service (BPS) has introduced a new policy that pedestrians who are found using earphones whilst walking on the street will be charged and arrested.

The reason behind this new restriction is because pedestrians are inattentive and reckless when using the roads with their earphones plugged in. The BPS believe that as people wear their earphones whilst using the road takes away their concentration on what is going on around them especially on the road and this leads to accidents. In Botswana accidents involving pedestrians is frequent and very high.

“Everyone seen walking along the road with headphones on will be charged or arrested,” the BPS announced on Radio Botswana 2 (RB2).

It was announced by the BPS that anyone found plugged onto their earphones or headphones whilst strolling down the streets will be charged and arrested, this policy will help prevent the number of pedestrian- car related accidents.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are prune to road accidents as they are the most vulnerable when using the road. They are high risk and exposure to accidents caused by over speeding, a distracted driver or intoxicated drivers. They should be careful and always alert when using the road at all times and also avoid using their phones no matter how many times it beeps trying to lure them in.