Ensuring road safety requires not only drivers but also pedestrians to strictly follow traffic rules and behave responsibly.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the State Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs made the statement in an appeal to pedestrians.
The department said that, in some cases, pedestrians enter the roadway without properly assessing traffic conditions, cross at unauthorized locations and behave inattentively, resulting in serious road accidents:
“Pedestrians should use pedestrian crossings, overpasses and underpasses when crossing the road. However, the presence of a pedestrian crossing alone does not mean that the road can be crossed immediately. Before starting to cross, pedestrians should properly assess the speed and distance of approaching vehicles and make sure the driver has seen them and that conditions are safe for crossing.”
The department stressed that particular caution is required at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings:
“Suddenly stepping in front of a vehicle, crossing in conditions of limited visibility and assuming that a car will stop immediately pose serious dangers. The right of way does not justify moving without taking precautionary measures into account.
Using a mobile phone, headphones or other distracting devices while crossing the road further increases the danger. A few seconds of inattention can lead to serious and irreversible consequences.”
Road safety depends on the coordinated responsibility of all road users. Pedestrians should cross only at designated points, remain attentive and establish that vehicles have stopped or are giving way before proceeding.
