Traffic Safety Notes

Part 1: The Road User on Foot

  • Pedestrians are the largest category of road fatalities each year.
  • All pedestrians should learn and apply the following rules.

Walking Along

  1. Footpath/Sidewalk Use:
    • Always use the footpath or sidewalk where available.
  2. Position on Sidewalk:
    • Do not walk close to the curb on the sidewalk.
  3. No Footpath Available:
    • Walk on the right-hand side of the road to face oncoming traffic.
  4. Marching Bodies (e.g., processions, school classes, troops):
    • If a footpath/sidewalk is unavailable, keep to the left-hand side of the road.
    • Have a lookout at the front and rear at a suitable distance.
    • At night, lookouts must carry lights: white at the front and red at the rear of the column.

Crossing the Road

  1. Before Crossing:
    • STOP at the curb.
    • LOOK right.
    • LOOK left.
    • LOOK right again.
    • Do not cross until the road is clear.
    • Cross at right angles, keeping a careful lookout.
    • If there's a refuge (island), STOP on it and look again before completing the crossing.
    • On one-way traffic roads, STOP and look towards oncoming traffic before crossing.
    • Do not allow small children to cross or use roads alone.
  2. Clear View:
    • Do not cross unless you have a clear view of the road both ways.
    • Take extra care near stationary vehicles or other obstructions that limit your view.
  3. Traffic Lights:
    • At traffic light-controlled intersections, cross only on the green light or the walk signal.
  4. Pedestrian Crossings/Refuges:
    • Use pedestrian crossings or refuges when available.
  5. Pedestrian Crossing Rules:
    • Pedestrian crossings are indicated by broad black and white markings and 'Pedestrian Crossing' signs.
      • (a) Police/School Safety Patrol/Traffic Warden: Watch for their signals and only cross when signaled.
      • (b) No Authority Figure: Step onto the crossing to indicate your intent to cross; wait for a suitable gap in traffic, allowing drivers time to stop.
  6. Vehicle Stopping Distance:
    • Remember that moving vehicles need time to slow down and stop, especially on wet or slippery roads.
  7. Loitering and Visibility:
    • Never loiter in the roadway.
    • Be especially careful at corners or places where you may not be seen by approaching traffic.
    • It is safer to stand on the footpath, sidewalk, or parapet.
  8. Road Junctions:
    • At every road junction, look out for traffic turning the corner.
  9. Guidance by Authorities:
    • If a police rank or a member of the School Safety and Traffic Warden is controlling traffic, follow their signals.
  10. Courtesy:
    • It is courteous to help small children, the aged, the infirm, and the blind to cross the road safely.

Getting On/Off Public Vehicles

  1. Boarding and Alighting:
    • Do not get on or off a bus while it is moving or when it is not at a recognized stopping place.
    • Do not step into the road to enter a bus until it has stopped.
    • Remember Rule 6 after getting off a bus or out of a hire car/vehicle.

General Rules

  1. Night Visibility:
    • At night, it is safer to wear or carry something white.
  2. Obstruction:
    • You must not willfully cause obstruction of the footpath, sidewalk, or roadway.
  3. Crossing Time:
    • You must not remain upon any pedestrian crossing longer than necessary to cross with reasonable dispatch.
  4. Interference with Vehicles:
    • You must not, without lawful authority or reasonable cause, hold onto or get onto a motor vehicle or trailer in motion, or tamper with the brake or any part of a motor vehicle.

School Crossing Patrols

  • School children are appointed as members of