Pedestrian deaths account for 1 in 5 deaths on our roads. Walking is a
every day activity for most people.Walking ,even recreational walking
involves mixing with other pedestrian's cyclists and
motorists.Pedestrians need to behave responsibly,exercise care and not
endanger or inconvience other users of the road when walking.
Walking beside or along a road.
- If there is a footpath you must use it.
- If there is no foot path,you must walk as near as possible to the right hand side of the road facing the oncoming traffic.
- Do not walk more than two abreast.If the road is narrow or carries heavy traffic you should walk in single file.
- You should always wear reflective clothing when walking outsidebuilt up areas at night.
- You should always carry a torch when walking at night.
For more information on roadsafety log on to www.rsa.ie
Crossing the road
- Look for a safe place to cross.
- Stop and wait near the edge of the road.
- Look right and left and listen for traffic.
- Let any traffic travelling in each direction pass and than look right and left again.
- Quickley walk across the road when it is clear.
- While crossing continue to watch and listen for traffic coming.
- Dont cross at a corner or bend in the road.
- Dont cross near the brow of a hill.
- Dont cross near or at parked vehicles.
- Dont cross where there are guard rails along the footpath.
- Dont run across the road.
for more information on roadsafety log on to www.rsa.ie
Safe crossing places.
Zebra Crossing
This is marked by yellow flashing beacons.The actual crossing area is
marked by black and white zebra stripes.Drivers must let you cross.As
they approach the crossing,they should slow down and be prepared to
stop.You do not have the right of way over other traffic until you
actually step on the zebra crossing.Never step,onto the crossing if
this would cause a driver to break or swerve suddenly.If there is a
central island ,treat each side as a seperate crossing.Always watch
carefully for approaching traffic.Place one foot on the crossing to
indicate that you wish to cross.
Pedestrian Lights
Pedestrian lights consist of a set of traffic lights for drivers and a
set of light signals for pedestrians.When you press the button the
lights for the oncoming traffic will turn red after a short while.While
the "red man " light is showing you do not cross.When the "green man"
light is showing you can then cross carefully.If there is a central
island at the pedestrian lights, the "green man"light will only allow
you to cross as far as the island.You must press another button before
you can cross the rest of the way.For vision- impaired pedestrians an
audible bleep signal or vibrating panel on the push button may be in
place to indicate when it is safe to cross.
Pelican Crossing.
At this crossing, an amber light will flash for a short while after
the red light for drivers goes out.Similarly,the "green man" light for
pedestrians will flash for a short time before changing to the "red man"
light.A flashing amber light at a pelican crossing gives priority to
pedestrians.
Traffic Lights.
If you are crossing at traffic lights,but there are no signals for
pedestrian,check the lights in both directions.When the traffic on the
road you wish to cross is governedby a red light,cross carefully.Look
out for traffic that might be turning onto the road you wish to cross
and remember that some traffic lights allow drivers to proceed in some
lanes when other lanes are stopped.Be especially careful at junctions
with filter lanes
