But readers can learn much more from the Chronicle s account. Rather than describing the story solely from the pedestrian s viewpoint, the Chronicle sees the problem whole. Pedestrians, drivers, police and the physical environment and technology of crossings all contribute to the crisis and each forms part of the solution. Engineering is more complicated, but effective. It involves changing the structures in the environment to slow traffic, increase time for walking and maximize visibility.
Education is more than simply imploring people to be careful.
It is about transmitting the values that influence expectations and social norms about what constitutes acceptable behavior. A comprehensive pedestrian safety program would involve all of these aspects. The Pedestrian Safety Task Force at the Department of Public Health is spearheading such an approach. The Examiner devotes more than half the front page and a full page inside to tell the story of pedestrian safety. It recounts who has been hit recently, ranging from toddlers to the elderly, and the extent and circumstances of their injuries.