Pedestrian crossing must live up to its reputation

Now that winter has come, with darkness and slippery streets, we must all be more alert to keep safe in traffic. The fact that it is dim or completely dark during most of the day makes a pedestrian crossing a dangerous place. Unfortunately, there have recently been several reports of incidents where a driver has hit a pedestrian on a pedestrian crossing, and two pedestrians have died. Every one of these accidents is one too many and could have be avoided.

In this blog post, I would like to point out a few facts that the police consider crucial to saving lives in traffic. I hope that each one of you pause to think about how you act in traffic, particularly on pedestrian crossings.

Visibility, attitude and driving speed have a key role on pedestrian crossings

Pedestrian visibility is ever more important in winter conditions, and a safety reflector is an excellent, easy and inexpensive means to increase visibility. The visibility of pedestrians wearing a safety reflector, as strongly recommended by the Road Traffic Act, is increased by up to tens of metres compared to those not wearing it.

It should be noted that, as drivers have a key role in ensuring safety on pedestrian crossings, a lot can and actually is expected from them.

A safe pedestrian crossing is not to be taken for granted

Drivers must give way to pedestrians who are on or about to step on a pedestrian crossing, but unfortunately this does not always take place. For their own safety, pedestrians should remember that although they have priority when on or stepping on a pedestrian crossing, they must also ensure that the driver sees them and has time to stop before they step on the crossing.

Drivers approaching a pedestrian crossing have a heavy responsibility

The Road Traffic Act provides that a driver approaching a pedestrian crossing must exercise special caution and drive at a speed that will allow them to stop the vehicle before a pedestrian crossing if necessary. Special caution means adjusting speed properly and being extremely alert. In the case law of the Supreme Court, in assessing special caution the Court has, besides highlighting the adjustment of speed, also emphasised the importance of preparing to give way. One should also remember that the stopping distance can multiply on slippery roads.

How to prevent accidents?

The police have a duty to actively conduct traffic surveillance and also intervene in situations involving the safety of pedestrian crossings, and in accidents and incidents. Besides surveillance, it is also our duty to remind everyone of their responsibilities and obligations related to traffic safety.

Drivers:

• Reduce speed when approaching a pedestrian crossing.
• Observe with special care pedestrian crossing surroundings and any pedestrians who might be coming from behind visual obstructions, such as parked cars.
• Remember that winter conditions increase the stopping distance.

Pedestrians:

• Use a safety reflector! Visibility is poor in the dark, rain and snowfall.
• Ensure your own safety when stepping on a pedestrian crossing.
• Be alert – regardless of the fact that law and regulations are on your side on a pedestrian crossing.

Police officers too often see the tragic consequences of traffic accidents. A pedestrian crossing is a place where everyone should feel safe. Darkness and winter conditions do not rule this out, but we must be extra careful and alert.

Together we can ensure safety on pedestrian crossings. By being considerate in traffic we can ensure that everyone gets home safe and sound.

Safe Christmas to everyone on the road, particularly on pedestrian crossings!

(Note: The author works as a Chief Superintendent in the Traffic Safety Unit of the National Police Board and is responsible for the guidance and development of unprotected traffic control and public communication on traffic safety.)