To begin, the Bermuda Road Safety Council (BRSC) extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Allen Trott, who recently succumbed to injuries suffered during a road traffic collision. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
The BRSC’s October Road Safety slogan - Pedestrian Safety (Stop/Look/Listen). The month of October is recognised around the world as Pedestrian Safety Month. This initiative’s goal is to increase awareness about pedestrian safety and remind drivers to always be watchful for pedestrians.
The definition of a “pedestrian” is a person travelling on foot, whether walking or running. At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian; whether it be walking to your car, walking to the office or walking for exercise. Despite our choice of locomotion, everyone deserves the right to arrive at their destination safely.
Section 27 (1) of The Road Traffic Act 1947 states – “In this section “pedestrian crossing” means a part of a highway established under this section as a place for pedestrians to pass from one side of the carriage way to the other, and indicated and defined by the appropriate traffic signs. Pedestrian crossings are designated sections of our roads to allow for a safe crossing by pedestrians.
There are also rules of the road governing how motorists should approach pedestrian crossings. According to the Rule 61 of the Traffic Code, we must “Look out for pedestrian crossings and make yourself familiar with the rules relating to them”. Rule 85 of the Code states, “Give plenty of room to pedestrians.” while Rule 101 says, “Avoid overtaking at a pedestrian crossing.”
All motorists have a duty towards other road users and we should take extra care and caution especially when travelling near pedestrians.
While pedestrians have the same rights to be on the road, they also share some responsibilities with ensuring that they remain safe. When at a pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian should always look “Right, Left and Right Again” before stepping onto the crossing to ensure there are no vehicles approaching. When available, they should press the button to change the traffic lights to alert approaching vehicles of their intention to cross. Pedestrians must ensure that approaching vehicles are aware of their intentions and should, where possible, obtain an acknowledgement from the driver before crossing the street. Most importantly, approaching vehicles must be given ample time to stop; meaning pedestrians should not walk straight onto the crossing from a sidewalk without alerting traffic of their intentions. Simply raising your arm out in front of you before stepping off can provide ample warning.
The BRSC reminds all road users of the need to practice good driving behaviors. Giving pedestrians a margin of safety and cautiously approaching all pedestrian crossings are driving habits that can help to make our roads safer.
We encourage the motoring public to drive with care, caution and courtesy, don’t drink and drive and always follow the Basic Safe Driving Rule, which is – Always travel at a speed which allows you to stop your vehicle on your side of the road in the distance you can see to be clear of other traffic.
Cautious Drivers + Safer Roads = Safer Bermuda