The Issue of Jaywalkers Within Australia Argument Analysis Essay

The issue of Jaywalkers within Australia has been publicly debated since 2018, as it has sparked a drastic increase in death rates and injuries of pedestrians. In her opinion piece titled, “The jaywalking phone zombie plague is completely out of control”, published in The Sydney Morning Herald on May 11, 2018, columnist Wendy Squires urges audiences to address the issue of jaywalkers blinded by their mobiles as they are a threat to the safety of the community and cause severe accidents and jeopardises other drivers. The author utilises an informative yet frustrated tone in order to appeal to the Australian public, specifically those concerned with their safety as active members of the community. 

Furthermore, the writer contends frustratingly the magnitude of the jaywalking issue by supporting their argument with a barrage of evidence along with imagery. Squires’ states, “one in three pedestrians” in Australian are “wexter” and are “credited” as a “10 per cent increase in United States, Britain and Australia” “of those travelling by foot being injured and/or killed”. This shocking statistic emphasises the risk Australians face as a result of the “ignorant” actions of jaywalkers isolated by their mobile phones. The evidence provided stresses the extent of the issue and shows the drastic impact of impaired spatial awareness on road safety. In doing this, Squires attempts to inflict fear on readers’ and further stresses the severity of the issue as it can directly impact almost anyone further calling for their support to act upon the problem. Moreover, Squires supplies that “1100-plus pedestrians are injured each year” as a result of jaywalking. This alarming statistic calls upon the reader to act, as if the issue is not addressed more pedestrians will progressively be injured every year. This further gives validity to the author as her argument is factually based and sways the audience to align their views with the writer’s as she is shown to be factually supported. Additionally, the author incorporates an image to highlight the clear influence jaywalking has on a pedestrian. The image focusses on a pedestrian completely consumed by their phone consequently, they are entirely unaware of their surroundings. The image verifies the author’s argument of jaywalking being of great threat to the safety of fellow Australians. Ultimately, Squires employment of evidence and imagery assists in validating her argument and further allows the writer to stress the severity of the pivotal issue.  

Moreover, the author provides potential solutions to the fundamental issue in attempt to gather the support of the audience to prevent the drastic increase in death rates in consequence for the ignorance of pedestrians. The author presents the idea of a “virtual crash billboard” generated by the Road Safety Authority of Paris, influenced by the “deaths and injuries of 4500 pedestrians in traffic crashes in one year”. In doing so, Squires highlights those other countries have already employed effective techniques managing the issue of “oblivious” pedestrians. Through this Squires appeals to the patriotism of the reader as she insinuates if you truly wanted the best for your country, you would be in support for employing the best safety precautions no matter the cost. This further emphasises the author’s contention of the ‘jaywalking’ issue needing immediate attention. Through this the author coerces the reader to be encouraging toward employing a more immediate response to the drastic increase in death rates. The credibility of the author is increased as she is shown to be factual supported and as having the pedestrians’ best interest in mind. Moreover, Squires elaborates on the “real success” the techniques have been further appealing to the reader as the author’s argument is validated as she is listing techniques that have worked in the past and have gifted greatly to other countries. In declaring the clear advantages of implementing such techniques the author allures the reader to view the actions in a more encouraging and immediate light to win over their support. Furthermore, the writer calls upon action through stating that it is “our precious time of carefree contemplation and exercise”. Squires calls for Australians to protect the “carefree” environment we all determine to live in. In doing so, the writer appeals to readers through including the audience’s ambitions within her goal, further aligning her views with that of the reader.

In conclusion, columnist Wendy Squires’ opinion piece titled, “The jaywalking phone zombie plague is completely out of control”, urges audiences to address the issue of jaywalkers blinded by their mobiles as they are a threat to the safety of the community and cause severe accidents and jeopardises other drivers. The author utilises an informative yet frustrated tone in order to appeal to the Australian public, specifically those concerned with their safety as active members of the community. Squires in support of her contention, emphasises the magnitude of the jaywalking issue by providing anecdotal evidence and further using imagery to reinforce her contention. Furthermore, the author demonstrates the clear negative impact jaywalking has had on the safety of both pedestrians and drivers through the use of statistical evidence and facts. Squires shifts to a more encouraging tone toward the end of her piece in order to call upon her audience to act upon protecting the ideal untroubled nature of their country and gather support.  Lastly, the writer provides potential solutions to the fundamental issue in attempt to gather the support of the audience in order to prevent the drastic increase in death rates as result of the ignorance of pedestrians.