Do you know that 300,000 pedestrians lose their lives in road accidents every year? These accidents happen due to poor road safety measures such as missing signs and crossings. That means by following pedestrian crossing standards, we can save thousands of people.
In this guide, we have explained all the details of pedestrian crossing including its rule and design. You will also know which locations you can choose for making a pedestrian crossing pathway.
What is Pedestrian Crossing?
Pedestrian crossing is a designated area on the road which allows the pedestrian to cross the road safely. At these crossing points, motorists must stop so those people who walk on foot can cross road easily. It is mostly present at high traffic areas to reduce accidents. You can also call them crosswalks.
Pedestrian Crossing Sign
This is a safety sign that alerts drivers about the presence of pedestrians on the road. Authorities place it nearly 70-100 meters before the crosswalk so vehicle owners can slow down. Shape of this sign is like a diamond with a yellow background & a black border. You can easily recognize it because it shows a person walking across the road.
Pedestrian Crossing Design
Pedestrian crossings are designed in a way that they increase the visibility of the crossing points for pedestrians. They maximize the safety by using clear markings, signs, signals and other physical features. You can also see illumination in these places which helps drivers to identify the pedestrian easily.
Pedestrian Crossing Color
You must have seen the pedestrian crossing as a white marking on the road mostly. But they are in different colors. These colors depend on the local traffic regulations and zone types. At schools and high-traffic areas, yellow or orange colors are used, which increase visibility of walkers.
Pedestrian Crossing Dimensions
The standard pedestrian crossings have a width of 2 m to 2.4 m (6.5 to 8 feet). You will see zebra crossing stripes 0.4 m to 0.6 m (1.6 to 2.3 feet) wide. So, it totally depends on the type of crossing.
Importance of Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrian crossings are helpful for road users in crossing the road safely. So, it plays a vital role in public safety. If you feel safe on the road then you are more likely to use active transport. This supports public health and reduces your unnecessary short car journeys.
It also encourages the smooth flow of traffic, which reduces the ratio of accidents.These well designed crossings help elders, children and individuals with disabilities to move from one side of road to other without any difficulty. It also makes pedestrians easier for drivers to notice.
Pedestrian Crossing Rules
Given below are the rules which you have to follow on the road for your safety.
Rules For Pedestrian
- If you are on foot, then you should use the designated crosswalks for crossing.
- You must have to look on both sides of the road before crossing. Do not take steps in a hurry.
- You should not use mobile or headphones near busy roadways. Keep your focus on the road and vehicles.
- Always obey the pedestrian traffic lights. You can not walk onto the road when a solid red hand signal is active.
- You have to cross the road quickly without stopping in the middle. You need to be more careful on the road.
Rules For Drivers
- You should stop if you see pedestrians on any part of the crosswalk. You must wait for their crossing.
- You do not have to overtake or pass the vehicle that is already stopped on the crosswalk to let someone cross.
- Do not stop or park your vehicle near a pedestrian crossing. You will see these areas marked with zig-zag lines or warning studs.
- You must take care of pedestrians while you are turning your vehicle at intersections.
- If you are stuck in slow-moving traffic then you need to wait behind the crosswalk. So, pedestrians can cross safely.
Drivers should be patient when pedestrians cross the road. But some drivers start yelling because they have to stop and wait. They must understand that pedestrians legally have the right of way. They should respect pedestrians and allow them to cross the road peacefully.
Locations of Pedestrian Crossing
You should provide a crosswalk at those places where people frequently must cross the road. Common places are:
At School Routes
Pedestrian crossings must be present on the school routes. They secure the safety of your children. Due to the presence of crosswalks, they can easily cross the road without any fear and danger.
Hospitals
You can install them near hospitals and clinics because they are very helpful there. They provide safe road crossings to the patients, visitors and medical staff. Pedestrian crossings improve their accessibility.
Near Parks
In parks and grounds, mostly families, joggers, cyclists and visitors come. So, your installation there makes it easier and safer for them to access these spaces. It also reduces the risk of accidents.
Public Transport Stops
Many people need to cross roads when entering or leaving the public transportation facilities. So, you can also place pedestrian crossings there. It will make road crossing more convenient.
Pedestrian Crossing Safety Tips
You can make pedestrian crossings safer by following these simple tips.
- You should use highly visible markings on the road for pedestrian crossings. For this process, you should select the right road marking paint.
- For making uniform lines on asphalt or concrete roads, you can use a road marking machine.
- You need to install highly reflective pedestrian signs on crosswalks. They alert drivers in advance.
- You can also install pedestrian crossing lights on crosswalks. These crossing lights will be helpful in low light conditions.
- All crosswalks must have bright overhead lights which show the pedestrian clearly at nighttime.
- You can also apply a pedestrian hybrid beacon at intersections. It helps pedestrians cross busy roads safely.
- The safety of pedestrian crossings can be increased by using cameras there. They protect walkers and manage traffic.
- You can add speed bumps at or near pedestrian crossings. They will make the vehicle slow and improve the safety of people on foot.
- You can include beeping sounds and voice instructions at crosswalks. It helps visually impaired pedestrians cross the road safely.
- In low light conditions, road studs play an important role in defining cross limits. It guides both drivers and pedestrians.
Final Thoughts
Now we can say you are completely aware of pedestrian crossings. You should follow all safety rules, markings and signs on the road. Because they are designed to keep you and others safe in traffic.
If your company wants to install pedestrian crossings or traffic signage then you can contact our team for free advice.
People Also Ask
Is Pedestrian Crossing only for Pedestrians?
No, pedestrian crossings are not specific for pedestrians. They are mainly marked for walkers. But many designated crossings are shared with or legally permitted to other types of traffic like cyclists and equestrians.
Can I cross the road where there is no crossing?
Yes, you can cross the road where there is no crossing. You need to just see traffic on both sides of the road. If the path is clear, then you can move from one side of the road to the other. You need to pay full attention if you are on the road.
What is the Meaning of No Pedestrian Crossing?
A no pedestrian crossing is a traffic sign that prohibits you from crossing the specific roads. Because crossing at these areas will be harmful for you. So, it is placed on high-speed highways, bridges without sidewalks and areas with limited visibility.
What is the Difference Between a Pelican and Puffin Crossing?
The main difference is that pelican crossings use fixed timers and flashing amber traffic lights. While you will see puffin crossings have sensors that detect pedestrians. It controls light timing and does not use flashing amber.
