Every year, 800 accidents occur at crosswalks—resulting in hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths. BESIP’s new campaign, “It Was a Close Call,” calls for mutual consideration between pedestrians and drivers. The key is to be attentive, respectful, and observant at crosswalks.
Crosswalks are supposed to be a symbol of safety, but the reality is quite different. Every year, around 800 accidents occur at crosswalks, hundreds of people are injured, and dozens die. BESIP , in cooperation with the Transport Research Center, is therefore launching a new prevention campaign “It Was a Close Call”, created under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport and with the support of the Damage Prevention Fund of the Czech Insurers´ Bureau.
Campaign Vision: It Won’t Work Without Respect
The campaign’s main message is that accidents can be prevented if pedestrians and drivers are considerate and attentive toward one another. It’s not just about traffic signs or rules—the key is every road user’s conscious responsibility. As BESIP Director Tomáš Neřold emphasizes: “Tragic collisions are often preceded by inattention, hastiness, and misjudgment of the situation. The key is the ability to be aware of one another.”
Interactive Screen with Dummy: Entertainment That Warns
In the first phase of the campaign, BESIP is introducing an interactive screen that detects the movements of passersby and, using an animation featuring the crash test dummy Dummy, vividly demonstrates how easily one can become distracted and stop noticing one’s surroundings. This playful format carries a serious message—inattention can be fatal.
Visitors have already had the chance to try out the screen at Galerie Vaňkovka in Brno (April 26–27) and OC Máj in Prague (May 6–7). The next opportunity will be at the Arkády Pankrác shopping center (May 14–15). Additionally, over the summer, the interactive screen created by YORD Studio will become part of the nationwide BESIP roadshow, which will include over 50 events in all regions.
Three videos, three warnings – inattention kills
The campaign also includes three videos that show the most common causes of collisions at crosswalks:
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a pedestrian suddenly stepping into the roadway without looking,
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unclear communication between the driver and the pedestrian,
The video spots clearly demonstrate how little it sometimes takes to prevent a tragedy—such as simply making eye contact. The videos will soon be available at:
Support from the government and research
The campaign builds on an analysis of risky behavior at 40 selected crosswalks conducted by the Transport Research Center. BESIP also carried out safety inspections of 70 crosswalks and will negotiate with local governments regarding their modifications. In addition to the campaign, the state invests approximately 1 billion CZK annually in the reconstruction of crosswalks, footbridges, lighting, and sidewalks.
Conclusion: It’s in our hands
The Chybělo málo campaign reminds us that safety at crosswalks doesn’t start with signs, but with each of us. If drivers and pedestrians learn respect, awareness, and simple eye contact, it can mean the difference between life and death.
SOURCE:
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Ministry of Transport, Press Release: The BESIP campaign “Chybělo málo” focuses on pedestrian safety at crosswalks, May 6, 2025, available at: md.gov.cz
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Transport Research Center