Let’s go to safe tomorrow: Road safety tips for pedestrians

Last update:24 January 2025, 6:06 PM IST

In 2023, 20% of the deaths of road accidents in India were pedestrians. The negligence of the driver and lack of awareness are the main reasons. Zebra crossing and reflective gear can increase safety.

Every year a large number of pedestrians die on the roads. In 2023, about 20% of the deaths in all road accidents in India were of pedestrians. If people had already been made aware of the guidelines related to road safety, most of these accidents could have been avoided.

Major challenges for the safety of pedestrians
Among those walking on the road are the most vulnerable pedestrians. There are some major challenges for the safety of pedestrians:

Driver negligence
Driving at high speeds, diverting attention and not giving way to pedestrians are some of the major causes of injuries or deaths of people walking on the streets. The situation becomes even more dangerous for pedestrians in the absence of the prescribed crossing.

Lack of awareness
The driver alone is not responsible for the safety of pedestrians. Vywalking means that crossing the path also causes injuries and deaths of pedestrians.

Basic steps for safety of pedestrians
1. Use Zebra Crossing: Zebra crossing and pedestrian bridges are built to ensure your safety. Do not cross the road until the traffic signal becomes green.
2. Use of reflex gear: Especially in the morning, evening or night, wearing light or reflective clothes increases your visibility for drivers, which makes you very easy to see from a distance and possible accidents can be prevented for them. Is.
3. Do not use the phone: Your phone can wait. Never distract your attention to send messages or listen to music while crossing the road. Wandering attention can cause injury or death.
4. Cross the road safely: Make sure that if you want to cross the road then the vehicle stops completely. Never believe that a vehicle will slow down or stop because you are in the way of its movement.

Strict adherence to traffic rules
The lives of many people can be saved by giving drivers’ way to pedestrians on crossings and ensuring speed limit in more movement areas.

Mentality
The safety of pedestrians is not only about implementing infrastructure or rules. It is also about creating a culture where drivers and pedestrians respect each other. Keeping the road safe is the same responsibility for both drivers and pedestrians.

Motivation stories of change
In Chandigarh, the authorities have introduced a pedestrian-friendly model of high crossings, scheduled walking area and at a high speed. The death of pedestrians has decreased by 30% in five years. This only shows that small changes can lead to big results.

Everyone’s partnership in responsibility
Every road passenger has a role in making our roads safe – whether it is a pedestrian, a driver of the car or a cyclist.

Pedestrian safety means to give importance to everyone’s life on the road by creating a safe environment for every passenger walking on the road. So next time you get out, use zebra crossing, walk safely, be alert and alert.