TODAY A PEDESTRIAN, TOMORROW A DRIVER

Veliko Tarnovo is not a big city in Bulgaria. My school is located in an old part of it where the streets are short and narrow. Students at my schools, who are young drivers, usually have problems when they come to school in their cars. Because of the narrow streets, it’s difficult for two cars to go past one another. But it is not easy for pedestrians, either. There aren’t many pavements around the school so we have no other choice but walk on the road, which causes problems for drivers and isn’t safe.

When we are pedestrians, we see things differently than when we are drivers. Here are some common situations: Crossing the street against the rules Walking on the road Playing on the street Using a cell phone while driving Parking on the pavements

Crossing the street against the rules What a pedestrian thinks It will save time. There isn’t a zebra crossing nearby. My mum isn’t here to tell me where to cross the street.

What a driver thinks What should I do? I have to stop NOW! (after stopping to let the child pass) Oh, that kid should learn where to cross the street.

Walking on the road There are no pavements around. What a pedestrian thinks There are no pavements around. There isn’t any place to walk here.

What a driver thinks The road is not for the pedestrians. Why isn’t he/she walking on the pavement? If it’s dark, the person should wear reflectors.

Using a phone while driving What a pedestrian thinks Why is that driver not driving with both his hands? The driver can hit me if he gets distracted. The law forbids talking on the phone while driving.

What a driver thinks I know it is illegal but I have to answer if it’s urgent. I can handle driving with one hand for a couple of seconds.

Parking on pavements What a pedestrian thinks Why had the driver stopped here? He should have stopped in a parking space. Where should I walk? There is no place.

What a driver thinks There isn’t a parking nearby. There isn’t a parking space. It’s not going to take long.

Ideas for solution: To put new and renew old “zebras” Fine for the pedestrian To have more underpasses for the pedestrians To have more pavements To have more parking spots Fine for the drivers

Thank You For Your Attention! Made by: Savina Savova 9th grade American College Arcus