On the eve of this year’s Road Safety Week (21-27 November), the traditional Green Cross Code is being revised by the national charity, Deafness Research UK from 'Stop, look and listen' to 'Stop, look, turn off the music and listen'. With more and more pedestrians listening to their smart phones or other music players while walking, the charity is urging people to turn them off and listen when crossing the road to avoid hearing-related road traffic accidents. Smart phones and other music players are a common sight among pedestrians and playing them too loudly can lead not only to hearing damage but can also block out the sounds of approaching traffic. On dark winter nights it is all too easy for people to become distracted, making music players not just a potential instrument for hearing loss, but a life or death decision when crossing Britain’s roads.

In addition to urging pedestrians to stop playing or remove their headphones while crossing the road, Deafness Research UK is alerting parents to the risks and encouraging them to inform children of the pitfalls of listening to loud music when crossing the road.

Deafness Research UK’s tips to put hearing back at the heart of the Green Cross Code include:

•    Remove headphones while you cross the road
•    Concentrate on what you can hear and pick out engine sounds from background noise
•    Stop talking and keep quiet while you cross
•    Don’t cross if you can’t hear what’s coming (if there is too much background noise)

Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK, said: 'Smart phones and other music players are here to stay but parents need to realise that there’s an increased risk of injury or death on the roads when children and teenagers are unable to hear properly because of the loud music. We’re especially concerned about young people who cross roads whilst listening to personal music players and cannot hear what’s coming. Good hearing is absolutely vital when crossing the road and can mean the difference between life and death.'

For further information on deafness and deafness-related conditions call freephone 0808 808 2222 or visit Deafness Research UK’s website at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk