Zero Hero Distracted Walking Activity Information and Resources

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Distraction-free teen pedestrians are the real heroes and we want to see all teens become a Zero Hero – by putting phones away while walking as a pedestrian. This activity strives for Zero risky behaviors!

Before starting, complete our Zero Hero sign-up form so we can provide you with the link to the electronic forms or print forms, along with some helpful information.

Please have all team members watch this instructional video and read the instructions below.

What to do:

• You will focus on the walker and record their gender and whether or not they are using an electronic device while walking (cell phone, headphones, tablet, music player, etc.).
• You will only observe teen walkers (not adult walkers).

Step 1 – Zero Hero (pre-observations)

Social distance by using only 2 teens at each location. Wear face masks and remain at least 6 feet apart and 6 feet away from pedestrians.

• Complete all the pre-observations in one day at one time, setting aside about 30-40 minutes.
• Observe at least 50 walkers (or as many as possible), counting each person only once.
• Recruit additional team members to set up different counting zones at multiple locations at the same time, again making sure to only count each person once. Give each team their own set of observation forms.
• At each location, have one person observe and another record the observations (scribe).
• Find a safe place to do the observations.
• Set up in places with lots of walkers like parking lots, sidewalks, and crosswalks.
• DO NOT notify students about what you’re doing. DO NOT reward students for correct behavior. You are there to only observe and record observations.
• If you miss a person, that’s okay – just move on to the next person. It’s better to be accurate than count more people.
• Organize your observation team(s) and coordinate where everyone will be standing, how many people you will be observing and the time frame the observations will be taken.
• Make sure everyone understands what to do and what to observe. It may be helpful to observe a few walkers together, to make sure everyone has a clear understanding of what they are looking for and what information to record.
• If using paper observation forms, either enter them online OR email them to us at tdswebmaster@tti.tamu.edu. If you enter the observations online, please do not return the paper forms to us.

Step 2 – Encourage Zero Behavior

After your pre-observation is complete begin your activities/messaging immediately for a full three weeks.

• After completing the pre-observations, plan and conduct outreach activities that focus on distractions and pedestrian safety.
• Do this for 3 weeks in a row.
• Report all your activities to us!
• Know your state’s laws>
• Get the facts on distracted walking>
• Take a look at these activities>
• Download resources>
• Show some videos>
• Notify your local media that you are doing the activity using the News Releases and articles>They can come out and film or take photos of the team doing observations and help you get the word out. Be prepared to answer questions with stats and how your team plans to create Heroes in your school!
• Let everyone know the observation results and give them a goal to achieve.
• Hang up posters around the school about the dangers of distracted walking.
• Do chalk art with safety messaging, such as “Heads Up, Walk Safe.”
• Place flyers on cars and place signs or hold up posters around the spot you did the observations.
• Hold a pledge to ask everyone to not walk distracted.
• Have a dress like a HERO day to bring awareness to the problem.
• Make announcements over the PA system.
• Set up a table during lunch to do an obstacle course. Check out instructions on hosting one HERE.
• Attend a community event (sports event, after-school activity, etc.) and give out information so parents can be aware of the issue, talk to their teens, and be better examples.
• Get local law enforcement or your school’s campus officer-involved by asking them to make a presentation.
• Make sure your messages target distracted walkers and they are consistent for at least three weeks. Get creative.
• The more activities, the better. Make sure everyone KNOWS that walking distraction-free makes you your own Hero.

Step 3 – Zero Hero (post-observations)

• Immediately after your 3 weeks of activities and messaging, conduct your post-observations.
• Do the post-observations at the same location(s) and time of day as the pre-observations, giving each team their own set of observation forms. Be sure not to double-count the same person.
• For consistency, try to have the same team members help.
• Just like the pre-observations, complete all the post-observations in one day at one time (the same time of day as the pre-observations), setting aside 30-40 minutes.
• Observe at least 50 walkers (or as many as possible), counting each person only once.
• If using paper observation forms, either enter them online OR email them to us at tdswebmaster@tti.tamu.edu. If you enter the observations online, please do not return the paper forms to us.

Step 4 – Party like a Hero:

• Make sure you’ve returned all your pre- and post-observations to TDS for All-Star credit.
• You’ll receive a summary report from TDS to let you know how your school did.
• Once you receive your report, share the findings and campaign results with your local television stations and newspapers to create a media buzz. We can help with this!

FAQs:

What are field observations?

Field observations are a way to find out how many people are engaging in an act. In this case, you will be observing walkers and taking count if they are or are not visibly using an electronic device while walking. In this activity, you will be performing two field observations – pre-observations before you do messaging and activities, and post-observations after you’ve completed messaging and activities.

Why two field observations?

The idea is to do pre-observations to get a baseline of the walker’s behavior. This lets you know how many people are walking distracted and how big the problem is in your community. After your team does some messaging and activities to let your walkers know they are being distracted while walking, you’ll want to know if you made a shift in their behavior, so you complete a post-observation to find out.

What happens to the data?

These field observations will help Teens in the Driver Seat® study the problem of distracted walking among teens and find ways to help prevent it. We need to know what you see and how you’re helping keep your classmates safe by conducting this project right in your own community. When you complete the entire activity and send us the observation data, we’ll crunch some numbers, do some comparisons, and send you back a report with how your school did.

What do we get in return?

Not only do you get to be a part of a great activity, but you also get extra TDS All-Star credit. 

Zero Hero Tips!

Be Safe:

• Before you start, get permission from the school administration and school security by letting them know what you are doing, when you will be conducting the observations, and where you and your team members will be standing.
• Wear bright clothes.
• Stand in a safe location, well off the road or driveway, and out of the path of walkers.
• Use a partner for safety and to help you with observations. One person can observe and one person marks the observation form.
• Don’t become a distraction yourself. Don’t get involved in interaction with drivers and passengers or engage in any behavior that would draw attention to you and away from their task. Think of your own safety and how you position yourself in relation to the traffic. Think of traffic safety and how your actions might affect it.

Get an accurate count:

• Don’t guess. If you can’t see well enough change your location, or get an additional person to help.
• If you miss counting a walker, it’s okay. It’s better to be accurate than count more walkers.
• It’s important to observe close to the same number of walkers for both pre- and post- counts.
• Use the same location and conduct the pre-and post-count at the same time of day. Use the same team, if possible, for consistency.
• Organize your observation team and coordinate where everyone will be standing, how many walkers you will be observing and the time frame the counts will be taken.
• Make sure everyone understands what to do and what to observe. It may be helpful to observe a few walkers together, to make sure everyone has a clear understanding of what they are looking for and what information and codes will be recorded on the Observation Form.

Do you need some help or have questions? Contact your Regional Representative>

Disclaimer: Texas A&M Transportation Institute nor Teens in the Driver Seat is responsible for accidents, injuries, deaths, or damages to property as a result of actions by conducting counts or observations. Please make every effort to remain away from moving traffic and always take proper safety precautions. The use of printed and electronic media materials from the Teens in the Driver Seat® website are encouraged for schools and organizations using those materials under the Teens in the Driver Seat® name, but the use of these materials under any other program name is not allowed.