Here you'll find a continuation of our post regarding what the Highway Code in the UK suggests for pedestrians to do when on and around the roads. We'll continue by discussing what pedestrians should do when using crossings.
When using a crossing, a pedestrian must always check that traffic has stopped before stepping out or pushing a pram into the road. It is also important to cross between the lines or studs marking the crossing. You must also not loiter on the crossing either, as it could be dangerous to do so.
The different kinds of crossings are as follows:
- Zebra Crossings
Give traffic plenty of time to see you and stop before crossing. This is a crossing that relies on both drivers and pedestrians to give each other time to react, therefore there is some extra care needed. Traffic does not need to stop until a pedestrian is visibly at the crossing, so make sure to stand in front of the crossing and not to the side. As you cross make sure to keep looking both ways just as you would on a regular crossing.
- Double Zebra Crossings
Just like the regular Zebra crossing, you must follow the same rules, however, because of the gap between the crossings, this must be treated as two individual crossings with the same due care and attention.
- Staggered Crossing
A staggered crossing follows a similar rule. Treat each crossing as an individual crossing and follow the same rules for each of them.
- Pelican Crossing
A Pelican crossing is basically a regular crossing, where pedestrians will press a button and wait for the traffic light to change before crossing the road. The difference between a pelican and a puffin is that on a puffin crossing the red and green man is above the control box on your side of the road. If traffic is congested and is stopped at the crossing despite having a green light, still follow the guidelines and wait for the lights to change before crossing.
-Toucan Crossing
When I was learning to drive one of my instructors told me about a way to remember what a toucan crossing is. Toucan sounds like Two Can, and since Toucan crossings allow both pedestrians and cyclists to cross, it is a good way to remember which is which.
- Equestrian Crossing
An equestrian crossing is a crossing meant for horse riders, when a bridle path may have to run across a road. Whilst this is not necessarily a pedestrian crossing, it is an important one to remember as pedestrians do sometimes walk along bridle paths.
Extra Information:
Sometimes a crossing will give a beeping sound when pedestrians can cross, to aid blind or partially sighted people when crossing the road.
The panels on the floor by a crossing is also to aid blind or partially sighted people to know when they are approaching a crossing, to ensure they stay safe when around roads.
When there are no crossings available, it is advisable to cross where there is an island in the middle of the road.
Thanks for reading this post about crossings! If you have any questions or any information you would like to share, please leave it in the comments below!!
Stay Safe,
VZYC Manchester