Consider these four key elements on the road

By Dumisa Dlamini

The road remains a place that accommodates traffic, of course the latter being a conglomeration of road usage and users for purposes of travel. Traffic is, contrary to the common belief, limiting its comprehension to vehicles only. Ridden or herded animals other conveyances and pedestrians also form an integral part of traffic at any given or travelled road. In any part of the country the road vicinity remains a shared space between all forms of traffic. Accident Prevention deems to refer to drivers as principal road users for reasons such as being trained to be on the road, not only in driving but also in traffic laws, rules, regulations and signs. They also dominate the road space given the number of vehicles on the road than any other form of traffic. Pedestrians as part of road users tend to be the most vulnerable and their fate being authored by negligent driving of vehicles and of course , often times than not, by their own negligence in the use of the road. It imperative therefore to make a call to drivers to, ‘LOOK OUT FOR PEDSTRIANS.” The manner in which drivers approach places inhabited by pedestrians is nothing short of accidents, fatal and serious.

DESIGNATED AND APPROPRIATE CROSSING AREAS

Everyone is and can be a pedestrian on the road at any given time. The driver who is running through a traffic light permissive for pedestrians to cross, will at a point in time park his vehicle and the moment (s) he disembarks from it they will be pedestrians. Look out for pedestrians as you approach a zebra crossing or any other designated or conducive place where those walking may conveniently cross the road. It is important to observe adherence to the speed assigned on the road by killing your speed before you kill a pedestrian. They may come in different ages and physical abilities making it difficult for some to cross the road at the speed and agility others do. Most importantly, drivers must come to a complete halt on such places and give pedestrians the confidence to execute crossings without being intimidated by moving cars. Some pedestrians will jump in a little bit too late when traffic is in motion, the driver will do well to scan the road vicinity and look out for the late or opportunistic pedestrian taking their chances.

LOOK OUT FOR PEDESTRIANS WALKING ALONG THE ROAD

Not all roads have safe path ways for the use of pedestrians. In some places people walking to shops, bus terminals and other places are compelled to walk on the side of the road, which undertaking places them in close proximity with fast moving vehicles. Al lot of lives have been lost due to such circumstantial use of the road. This has been a direct result of excessive speed amongst motorists and failing to give space to the pedestrians. We cannot overlook the fact that pedestrians too, dangerously interpose themselves between the safety and a fast car by walking on the course way for vehicles especially at night. Still, accidents would be avoided if motorist would watch out and warn pedestrians of the imminent danger whilst on the road. Social and entertainment places become a high risk to knock out pedestrians especially if the driver approaches same in high speed.

TAKE AWAYS:

• Reduce your speed as you approach crossing areas.
• Be in a complete halt as pedestrians cross.
• Watch out for straying children on the road.
• Respect schools, residential and business areas. 5. Kill your speed before you kill a pedestrian!