Pedestrians are urged to be cautious
JOBURG – ER24 says this year they have attended to about 1 980 collisions involving pedestrians from 1 January to date.
The increase in pedestrian accidents in the country is becoming a concern.
Spokesperson for ER24 Chitra Bodasing says pedestrians are urged to be cautious when crossing the road.
“Sadly, most transport-related incidents involving pedestrians result in critical or fatal injuries,” said Bodasing.
She also highlighted that taking the years 2013/14/15 into account, ER24 has found that it attends to an average of 10 pedestrian-related incidents a day. Last year alone, ER24 attended to at least 3 800 pedestrian-related incidents. And this year, they have attended to about 1 980 collisions involving pedestrians from 1 January to date.
Here are some tips for pedestrians:
•Make use of pavements where available rather than walking on the road. If there are no pavements, walk facing oncoming traffic and as far away from the road as possible.
• Refrain from consuming alcohol as it alters the mind and impairs judgeent.
• Use demarcated crossing areas if there are any, however do not assume that motorists will stop. Rather check if it is safe to cross before doing so. If forced to cross a road where there are no demarcated crossing areas, make sure you cross when safe to do so.
• Do not stroll across the road assuming that a vehicle will not hit you. Also, do not take chances by running across trying to beat the oncoming vehicles.
• If walking on the side of the road, make sure you pay attention to what is happening around you. Walk briskly and be aware.
• Pedestrians are not allowed on highways/freeways. Refrain from walking or running across these roads.
• Never assume a motorist can see you. Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase your visibility and make eye contact where possible.
• Avoid talking on cellular phones or listening to music. These are distractions.
• Traffic signals and road signs are there for a reason. Obey them.
• Parents should ensure children are supervised when crossing the road. Do not allow your children to play along the roadside.
Tips for motorists:
• Always be alert and avoid distractions while on the road. Pedestrians could be difficult to see, especially during the night and bad weather.
• Never assume a pedestrian will wait for you to pass.
• Obey the speed limit and slow down where pedestrians are visible.
• Look around for pedestrians, especially when driving past informal settlements, schools and public transport pick-up and drop-off points.
• Refrain from consuming alcohol and driving.
• Be careful when turning at traffic lights and intersections as well as driving around stationary vehicles.
