School Focus Aid: What Should You Carry Before Class Begins?

In the city of Bielefeld, the traffic police have issued a warning to schoolchildren and commuters about the dangers of using mobile phones while moving through traffic. The police emphasize the importance of keeping an eye on surroundings to ensure safety, particularly for children.

The warning comes as a response to the increasing number of students in Bielefeld who own mobile phones but are warned against using them while walking, cycling, or driving to school. The potential distractions and increased risks associated with mobile phone use in traffic are highlighted as a significant concern.

Pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers who are distracted by mobile phones pose a high risk to themselves and others. Even brief distractions while driving can have severe consequences, with a driver's gaze lingering on a display for a few seconds potentially resulting in several meters of driving without looking at the road.

The Bielefeld Police also advise against using headphones, as they significantly reduce the perception of other road users. Approaching vehicles can be missed or noticed late when using headphones, posing a risk to safety.

Drivers in Bielefeld are warned against allowing mobile phones, vehicle communication systems, or passengers to distract them while driving. No game, call, or message is so important that it justifies endangering oneself or others while driving.

The Bielefeld Police's website can be found at https://bielefeld.polizei.nrw/. Press inquiries can be directed to the Bielefeld Police's press and public relations department, which can be contacted via various phone numbers and an email address. Outside of office hours, inquiries can be directed to the control center.

The advice from the Bielefeld Police is aimed at reducing distractions and improving safety for students while moving through traffic. Mobile phones should be kept in pockets and not in hand while on the way to school in Bielefeld. Distracted walking, cycling, or driving can lead to dangerous situations for both the individual and others in traffic.

At 50 km/h, 1 second of distraction means about 14 meters of driving blind. Even this brief moment of inattention can have serious consequences, potentially changing one's life. The Bielefeld Police urge everyone to prioritise safety over the urge to check their phones or listen to music while commuting.