Road safety is not just for vehicles. Pedestrians also need to exercise more care on our nation’s roads.
Use the sidewalk, crossovers and barriers
Remember that traffic does not have to stop until someone has moved onto the crossing. Keep looking both ways and listening, in case a driver has not seen you and attempts to overtake a vehicle that has stopped.
Face traffic
This makes it easier to see and react to oncoming cars, and also makes it clearer for the drivers to see you.
Pretend you’re invisible
Do not assume that a driver sees you. Imagine that drivers cannot see you, and behave to suit — observe all the traffic signals.
Avoid crossing between parked cars, near sharp bends in the road or near the top of a hill — in these areas, drivers are less likely to see you.
Never cross the road in front of, or behind, any vehicle with its engine running, especially a large vehicle, as the driver may not be able to see you.
Be seen
Particularly if you are frequently on the roads at night, be sure to wear high-visibility, brightly-coloured clothing and footwear, or carry a handbag or knapsack with reflective material.
Unplug your earphones
Avoid using music players with headphones — this can hinder you from hearing an approaching vehicle. If you insist on using headphones, keep the volume low or use only one earbud.
Beware of the “early birds” and “night owls”
At early hours of the morning and late at night, drivers can be less aware, exhausted, or even under the influence of drugs or alcohol.