Shillong, March 15: To educate the general public and drivers of two-wheelers and four-wheelers about the importance of Zebra Crossings and the manner in which the pedestrians should be allowed to walk on the Zebra Crossings, the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District has issued safety tips for using zebra crossings.
As a motorist, while approaching Zebra Crossing should , Slow down or stop to make sure pedestrians can cross safely, If there is traffic behind you, use your hazard lights for warning, If there are two or more lanes and another car already stopped for pedestrians, you must stop too!, If you approach a zebra crossing and you see pedestrians on the street already crossing, you must stop!, Be very careful, mindful and polite when you approach zebra crossings!, Don’t forget, once you step out of your car, you are also a pedestrian and you also desire that drivers watch out for you!, lack experience of traffic movements.
As a pedestrian,Don’t be distracted when using a zebra crossing (get off your phone!), Be mindful that you are the weakest traffic participant, As much as possible, try using the footpaths/footbridge where available, Take no risks and don’t force your way (even if motorists have a yield-sign), Don’t cross when traffic police allowed the vehicular traffic to proceed, Cross the street using pedestrian bridges, underpasses or dedicated crossings.
At zebra crossings without traffic lights, you must be very careful, since not all cars will stop for you. Only walk when you can cross safely all lanes of the street, A good tip is also to make eye contact with drivers, so you are sure they noticed you, Reversing cars: be extra careful when you walk near reversing cars, Drivers often have a obstructed view and they might not see you when you are passing close to the car, Make sure kids don’t play close to streets or reversing cars, Always use sidewalks – this protects pedestrians!, If there are not sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing the oncoming traffic.
