EMPD issues safety tips for pedestrians
Never cross the road without looking both ways, checking that there is no traffic before crossing the road.
The EMPD has noticed a growing trend where pedestrians are involved in accidents, mostly caused by unsafe behaviour that often leads to serious injuries and even fatalities.
EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa said all road users have a duty to not only obey the rules of the road but also have responsibility for the safety of themselves and others.
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Thepa said there are several contributing factors to pedestrian-related road accidents including drunk pedestrians, reckless driving, distracted pedestrians or pedestrian inattentiveness, pedestrians ignoring or disobeying traffic light signals, and reckless/ lawless pedestrians.
The EMPD has issued 10 tips to keep pedestrians safe on the roadways:
• Always obeying road signs and traffic lights.
• Never cross the road without looking both ways, checking that there is no traffic before crossing the road.
• Never assume that you have been seen.
• Make eye contact with motorists, to be sure they see you.
• Always avoid roads when intoxicated.
• Wearing lightly coloured or reflective clothing increases your visibility.
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• Do not walk and stop halfway across the road – remain beside the road until both lanes are clear for you to cross safely.
• Stay focused. Being distracted while walking in traffic may be deadly.
• Make use of pavements and walkways. If there is no pavement, walk as near the edge of the roadway as possible, facing the oncoming traffic.
• As much as possible, only cross the road at a pedestrian crossing or a traffic signal.
