Drivers, especially beginners, must pay attention to their surroundings when driving. It’s essential to be watchful on the road, including checking out any pedestrian crossing signs. Ignoring this may get you in trouble or worse.
That’s why it’s necessary to watch out for other signals indicating that pedestrian crossings are up ahead. You can expect to see pedestrian crossing signs near schools and busy and built-up areas.
Learning how to drive along these areas is key to saving your life and others. Here are different pedestrian crossings you need to be aware of when driving:
Zebra Crossings
Zebra crossings feature two Flashing Beacons and a white stripe pattern. They enable pedestrians to cross from one side of the road to the other. If you’re driving on the road and approaching the zebra crossing, you should let the pedestrians using it cross before driving on. It would be best if you slowed down or stopped the moment you suspect that some pedestrians want to cross.
So, what are the dos and don’ts of approaching a zebra crossing:
- Scan your surroundings using your vehicle’s mirrors to see how close you’re to other vehicles.
- Be extra vigilant at night because pedestrians may be challenging to spot.
- Let pedestrians cross the entire crossing before you continue to drive.
- Ensure to slow down and thoroughly watch pedestrians’ movements. They could come to cross anytime.
- Slow down early during adverse weather conditions.
Don’t
- Stop if pedestrians are not crossing or are far away from the Zebra Crossing.
- Approach at a considerable speed.
- Block pedestrians’ crossing because the crossing enables them to cross at any time.
- Signal pedestrians to cross—this may endanger pedestrians.
Pelican / Toucan Crossings
Pelican and Toucan crossings are similar. However, the slight difference is; cyclists too are allowed to use the Toucan crossings.
Traffic lights control pelican/toucan crossings. Hence it would help if you watched out for the lights flashing. If it’s amber light and no pedestrians are attempting to cross, you can drive on with precaution. However, if some people are crossing, you must stop and wait for them to cross.
Dos
- Pay attention to see if people are attempting to cross when the amber light is flashing.
- Stop if people are waiting at the crossing.
- Wait behind the line as you watch the lights flashing. If the light flashing is green, and somebody is waiting to cross, that is an early signal that the traffic light may change.
Don’ts
- Don’t drive around the people attempting to cross. Wait for them to fully cross before driving on.
- Don’t drive on when passengers are still crossing. All of them must cross the entire crossing before proceeding.
Traffic light Crossings
Pedestrians control the traffic light crossings. They must push a button to activate the crossing. Until the light displays a color indicating it’s safe to cross, pedestrians must not attempt to cross.
The Red light indicates that vehicles should wait/stop for passengers to cross the entire crossing. On the other hand, the green color signals vehicles to proceed while passengers wait. Note that, however, you should be prepared to stop if the light flashing is green and a pedestrian is waiting to cross. That situation may signal you that the light’s color may change. Also, if it’s amber light, you can proceed if you’re already on the crossing.
Conclusion
Drivers must pay attention to pedestrian crossing signs to avoid trouble or dangerous situations. Be aware of nearby schools, built-up and busy areas, as that’s where you’re most likely to find pedestrian crossing signs. The above information will help you to know various pedestrian crossing signs and how to approach them.
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