If you’re 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.
Drivers – 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.
When passing those on bicycles give them as much room as you would when passing a car – a minimum of 1.5 metres. Watch our cycling Safety TV campaign about how much space to leave a cyclist when overtaking and always look out for cyclists at junctions and take another look for motorcyclists.
Remember to keep junction boxes clear. These have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road You must not enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear, see the Highway Code NI Rule 174.
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.
Our key message is, as always, reduce your speed, wear a seatbelt, pay attention, ignore the phone and never ever drive having taken alcohol or drugs.
We All Share The Road. We All Share The Responsibility.
Facebook and X for daily road safety tips and Highway Code Rules.