Pedestrians

Thankfully pedestrians do not account highly in road fatalities, however, pedestrians are at a greater risk on the roads than those in vehicles or on motorbikes. A pedestrian is a vulnerable road user, because they are exposed to a lot more dangers and hazards than others. There is protective cage or barriers surrounding them, unlike a vehicle, or the safety gear that motorcyclists wear. Some of the dangers and risks associated with pedestrians is their lack of visibility, presence and safety while on roadways. Where they cross, how quick they cross roads and again, their visibility while crossing roads are all factors for pedestrian safety.

Young children and older adults in particular are vulnerable as pedestrians, because for young children, it is difficult for them to judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles, they may not be fully aware of the risks of crossing roads. For older adults and elderly people, while they may be well able to judge the distance and speed of approaching vehicles, it can take them longer to cross roads, and for some, it may be difficult to understand the risks of crossing the road now compared to the few risks of crossing the same road 20 or 30 years ago.

If a person is walking along the roadside, where there is no footpath or safe walking area, they might assume approaching vehicles sees them. There are factors however, in the drivers vision that may prevent them from being seen, such as a person wearing dark clothing, a vehicle travelling towards a bright sun, obscuring the vision of a pedestrian, or in dark shadowed areas, where it can be difficult for drivers to see either pedestrians or cyclists.

Pedestrians put themselves at risk when….

• they do not wear bright coloured clothing or high visibility material such as a vest, armband or belt while out walking.
• they walk in unlit areas.
• they walk in areas where there are no footpaths are safe margins.
• they cross roads at brow of hills or between parked vehicles.
• they cross roads without looking or allowing approaching vehicles to pass.
• they misjudge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles before crossing.

While a pedestrian is responsible for their own safety and it is vital that they are clearly visible to other road users, drivers themselves have a part to play too, in the event that a pedestrian is not visible to them. Motorists must drive slowly in build up areas, on the streets, around towns and particularly around schools.

If you are driving and you see a pedestrian about to cross the road, Slow Down. This person may actually attempt to cross and you, as a driver need to be ready to stop in time to allow them to cross. Pedestrians can be found in many places, at anytime, even in places where they are not supposed to be found!

Drivers have great difficulty in seeing a pedestrian or cyclist in bad weather conditions or while driving at night.

Motorists are at risk of hitting a pedestrian when…

• the driver is not watching out for pedestrians.
• the driver does not slow down in built up areas such as streets, towns and at schools.
• the driver does not slow down when they see a pedestrian about to cross a road.
• the driver does not drive slowly in unlit areas, or when a bright sun is in their eyes.
• the driver assumes the pedestrian can actually see them.

Pedestrians - When Out Walking

•  Always wear Reflective Vests, Armbands or a Sam Brown belt.
•  Always wear light coloured clothing.
•  Always walk on the side of On-Coming Traffic.