Pedestrians Crossing Roads

1
03/93

Committed to
Safety

• Pedestrians Crossing Roads
• Background
• The recent fatal road traffic accident which
  happened on the Seeb to Sohar main road involving
  a PDO mini bus and a third party pedestrian
  highlights the hazard of driving on roads where
  no facilities exist for pedestrians to cross the
  road safely. In the absence of flyovers,
  underpasses or standard crossing places for
  pedestrians, people are likely to cross the road
  when and wherever the mood takes them, with
  little or no warning and often without
  consideration to the speed at which approaching
  traffic is travelling. This type of accident is
  not solely restricted to blacktop roads. Near
  miss incidents have been reported at interior
  locations, especially at night around the
  Contractors camp areas, which in the main are
  poorly illuminated. As many people are in the
  habit of taking a walk after the evening meal,
  the potential for this type of accident to repeat
  itself remains high. Although drivers have little
  control over the actions of pedestrians, they
  should be aware that there are certain
  precautions that can be taken to minimise the
  risk of an accident. These are as follows -
• Learning Points
• When you see a pedestrian ahead of you,
  especially one walking away from you, sound your
  horn to warn him of your presence.
• Slow down, check your mirror for following
  traffic and be prepared to stop quickly.
• If at all possible, adjust your road position to
  give any pedestrians more space.
• Always assume they will step out into the road.
• Pedestrians also have a responsibility towards
  motorists. Drivers of motor vehicles cannot stop
  immediately. A vehicle travelling at 80kph will
  require 39 metres of clear road to bring it to a
  safe stop. To ensure their own safety pedestrians
  should follow these recommended guidelines
• Find the safest place to cross a busy road.

2

Committed to
Safety

• Learning Points contd ....
• Always keep a safe distance from the edge of the
  road, the vortex from a passing heavy vehicle
  could drag you under its wheels.
• Always try to walk facing oncoming traffic.
• Never step out into the road without first
  assessing the speed and distance of approaching
  traffic.
• If crossing multi-lane highways, remember that
  the speed of approaching traffic in each lane
  will be higher than the first lane.
• If walking at night, dont assume a driver can
  see you because he has his lights on, you may be
  outside of the area illuminated by his beam.
• If in doubt, dont cross.