Pedestrians and drivers must recognise that they use shared roads, therefore, they share the risk when using them.
We aim to expose the vulnerability of both pedestrians and drivers when they ignore their shared responsibility,
instead relying on the twisted logic of their familiarity of the route, and how they are never at fault.
When walking, pay attention to your surroundings and be alert to the traffic around you, expect the unexpected. Don’t be distracted by your mobile phone or headphones.
Always check the road is clear before stepping off the pavement to cross to the other side. Hold younger children’s hands –
don’t let them run ahead and make sure your child walks on the side of the pavement away from the traffic.
You can take a number of steps to make yourself safer as a pedestrian:
- stop, look and listen
- don’t try to cross the road between parked cars
- if possible, cross at a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights
- never cross at a bend
- if there is a footpath, use it
- if there is no footpath, walk/run/jog on the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic and keep as close as possible to the side of the road
- wear fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night
Information on keeping safe when walking on the roads is available on nidirect
and The Highway Code
and watch our Pedestrian Safety Campaign, Just Because.
When driving, be aware of more vulnerable road users such as people walking, cycling, riding a motorcycle or horse, or using a mobility scooter.
In built up areas, there will be more people, including families with young children and older people.
Give them time to cross the road and look out for people stepping off the pavement suddenly;
people walking may be distracted, rushing and not paying full attention..
Remember – the speed limit is the maximum speed you are allowed to travel on that road but consider travelling at a reduced speed.
Reducing your speed will give you more time to react safely to the unexpected and help you avoid a collision.
Pedestrians will continue to die on our roads if we continue to ignore the need to look out for one another while walking and driving.
Remember, Shared Roads, Shared Risk!
#RoadwiseUp
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