Essential Skills: Pedestrian Crossings

Pedestrian crossings provide a safe place for people to get from one side of the road to the other. Crossings are either ‘controlled’ or ‘uncontrolled’. At controlled crossings, both the drivers and pedestrians are given instructions. At uncontrolled crossings pedestrians have to decide for themselves when it is safe to cross, relying on the courtesy and consideration of drivers. There are several types of pedestrian crossing – School crossing, Zebra, Pelican, Puffin, Toucan and Pegasus. In each case you must try to identify the crossing early and use your Use the MSPSL or hazard routine.

 When approaching a pedestrian crossing you must always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially children and elderly people. Be prepared to slow down and stop if there are pedestrians about. When pedestrians are on the crossing, they always have priority.

 Do not beckon on pedestrians to cross, allow them to make their own decisions. By waving to a pedestrian you could be inadvertently exposing them to a danger that you have not seen; for example, there may be another vehicle overtaking illegally. You must always be on the look-out for people near the crossing and be prepared to stop to allow them to cross. It’s dangerous and illegal to park or overtake within ten (10) metres of a pedestrian crossing.

 We will be discussing zebra crossing in detail, as it appears to be the most common crossing in Nigeria. A zebra crossing is a path across a road marked with black and white stripes where pedestrians may cross. Look for people standing near or moving towards on approach, and try to work out in advance whether they are likely to cross. You must give way when someone has moved onto a crossing. Never accelerate towards a zebra crossing hoping to beat the pedestrian to it.

 

Approaching a Zebra Crossing

Check your mirrors when you see a zebra crossing and approach with care. When pedestrians are waiting on the pavement at a zebra crossing and obviously want to cross, slow down and stop to let them cross. You must give way to anyone who is already crossing and anyone who has stepped on the crossing. Do not wave pedestrians to cross, as there could be another vehicle coming in the other direction.

 When approaching a zebra crossing, reduce your speed in good time and scan either side of the crossing to see if anyone is walking up to or is standing at the crossing. Remember to use the MSPSL or hazard routine on the approach to the zebra crossing.

 

Courtesy

Be prepared to pull up if someone is standing next to a crossing and it’s obvious they want to cross the road. Never wave pedestrians across the road as other vehicles may not be so willing to allow them to cross.

 When you are waiting for the pedestrians to cross the road never “rev” your engine. Imagine the pedestrians being very young or elderly, “revving” your engine could give them a fright and force them to hurry across the road. Show some patience and surely you will be rewarded by the pedestrians who have crossed the road with a smile or a wave. 

In next week’s article we shall be discussing turn in the road, which is, turning a vehicle to face the opposite direction. For further explanations or clarification on the articles in the Essential Skills of Driving column, consult the author.

Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

Director General, Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA)

**Driver Trainer and Road Safety Consultant

**Email: sdieseruvwe@gmail.com

**Tel: +2348167814928