II. THE PEDESTRIAN

A pedestrian is a person who is walking on the road especially in an area also used by vehicles. Drivers share the road with many other road users among whom are pedestrians who are part of exposed road users. 

Generally there are three types of pedestrians most often involved in road traffic crashes: children, the elderly and adults under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Pedestrian protection involves

  • Use of pavement or suitable foot paths where provided. 
  • Walk on the left side of the road facing on-coming traffic, where footpaths are not provided. 
  • While walking in the dark, wear or carry white, bright coloured or reflective clothing as you can be easily seen in them. 
  • While walking in a group, keep to the extreme right of the road.
  • At night, the person in front should wear a reflective clothing.

Traffic drill 

  • Before you cross a road, stop, hold hands, look left, right and look left again. When the road is clear, walk directly and quickly across but keep looking out. Do not run because you may trip over and fall. 

Crossing point

  • You are to use pedestrian crossing, central islands, traffic lights, subways, or foot bridges where provided.
  • Where they are not provided, step onto the road slowly, making sure you can see both ways clearly and that you can be seen.
  • Do not cross the road between or in front of parked vehicles because drivers on the road may not be able to see you.

At a one way street

Before crossing a one-way street with traffic going only in one direction, do your traffic drill. 
  • Make sure you know which way the traffic is moving.
  • Step on the street and quickly cross directly.

Wait on the island

  • Where there is an island on the road, cross first to the island.
  • Wait there until the second half of the road clears.
  • Then finish crossing.

At night

Cross the road near lighted area so that you can be seen especially if there is no convenient pedestrian crossing. 

At Guard Rails

Do not cross the road where there are guardrails or other preventive fences to stop you. 

Pedestrian Crossing

  • You have NO right of way at a pedestrian crossing or Zebra Crossing until you have Stepped on it. 
  • Even then ensure no vehicle is coming.
  • When you do, traffic should give way to you. Do your traffic drill before you start to cross, exercise caution. 

At Junctions 

When you cross at a junction, pay attention to traffic turning corner, especially from behind you. 

At Junctions Controlled By Traffic Lights 

  • Watch the traffic as well as the lights.
  • Do not attempt to cross when the lights are green or amber (yellow).
  • At traffic light crossings with push buttons, press the button and wait for the signal to cross.
  • When it comes, cross with care while watching for approaching traffic.