'Your Earbuds Could Kill You!': Framingham Launches Public Safety Campaign

FRAMINGHMA, MA — The Town of Framingham, along with police, public works and fire departments, is launching a new campaign to keep people aware of the world around them — even if they're not behind the wheel of a car.

"Heads up Framingham" is a campaign targeting pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike, a series of reminders that all-too-common behavior (wearing headphones while cycling, checking your texts as you pass a crosswalk, using hands-free phones while driving) can have huge and even deadly consequences.

"The #HeadsUpFramingham public safety awareness campaign spotlights unsafe behaviors by reminding drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to obey the rules of the road in order to keep themselves and others safe," a town press release says.

It continues:

All types of distractions endanger drivers, pedestrians, passengers, cyclists and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:

• Texting
• Using a cell phone or smartphone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking
• Grooming
• Reading (including maps)
• Using navigation systems
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, MP3 player or other entertainment device

Take the following precautions to minimize driving distractions:

• Be a safe and distraction free driver, put your cell phone down and focus on the road.
• When using an electronic device for directions, set the destination prior to driving.
• Speak up when you're a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to call or text for the driver, so his or her full attention stays on the driving task.
• Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the best defense against other unsafe drivers

More information on the campaign and its common-sense tips are available here.

Image via Town of Framingham