The Highway Code is very important to read and understand for all those who are using the road, as a way of getting from, one place to the other. It mainly applies to all road-users including:

• Motor cyclists
• Drivers
• Pedestrians
• Horse Riders
• Cyclists

Not understanding the rules that are set by the Highway Code and ignoring these rules can lead to the person either:

• being fined
• points on their license
• being sent to prison
• being banned from driving  OR
• an  serious case could lead to the person being prosecuted

If we are able to understand and apply these rules, from the Highway Code whilst travelling on any roads then we will be able to reduce any road traffic accidents. Also we will be able to cut down the number of deaths and injuries that happen every day on Britain’s roads.

So remember to be safe!

Pedestrians

In order to be a good pedestrian there are some general rules that should be followed and these are listed below:

1. Pavements or footpaths- should only be used if they are available. If you are in that situation avoid walking with your back to the traffic and near to the kerb.
2. If there is no pavement or kerb- walk on the right hand side of the traffic so that oncoming traffic can see you clearly. Remember to take extra care and:
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      • walk single file on main roads especially narrow lanes
      • keep close to the side of the road
3. Help other road users to see you  Wear or carry something that is of bright colour i.e.flurescent especially if the conditions are poor. When it is dark wear reflective materials (such as armbands, sashes or waistcoats) which can be seen by drivers using their headlights.
4. Young children- should not be allowed out on their own on main roads or pavements. When accompany young children make sure you walk between them and the kerb and hold their hand firmly. With younger children either strap them into their push buggy or use reins.
5. Organised Walks- a group of people should use a path if available if not should walk single file on any main road. It is important to have look outs at the front and back of the group and they should wear fluorescent clothing in the daytime and reflective clothing in the night time. At night time the person at the front of the group should carry a white light and the person at the back should carry a red light.
6. Motorways- you SHOULD NOT walk on a motorway or slip road unless it is an emergency

Crossing the Road

1. At a junction- When crossing the road, look out for traffic turning into the road, especially from behind you.
2. Pedestrian Safety Barriers- When you come across barriers only cross them if there is any gaps for pedestrians and do not attempt to cross over barriers
3. Tactile paving- these are small raised studs that can be felt under your foot and are mainly used for advising blind people or partially sighted people who come to a crossing with a dropped kerb.
4. One-way streets- always make sure you check which way the traffic is heading in and do not cross till it is safe. One important fact to remember is that bus lanes and cycle lanes may travel in the same direction as other traffic.
5. Bus and cycle lanes- remember to take care when crossing these lanes as the traffic can move a lot faster than in the other lanes.
6. Routes shared with cyclists- cycle tracks run alongside footpaths, with a white line separating the cycle lane and the pedestrian lane. Remember to take extra care as some cyclists and pedestrians may have to share the same path.
7. Parked vehicles- if you have to cross between two parked vehicles use the outside of the vehicles as if they were the kerb. Make sure the traffic is aware of you and that you can see all around you. Never cross the road if the engine is running from the front or behind as the driver may not be able to see you.
8. Reversing vehicles- never cross a vehicle that is reversing or shows its white lights as the driver may not be able to see you.
9. Moving vehicles- you MUST NOT get on to or hold on to a moving vehicle.
10. At night- it is a sensible idea to wear something reflective at night. If there is no pedestrian crossing, find an area where there is a bright street lamp so that the traffic can see you more easily and it is safer to cross.

Crossings

1.  
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      • ALWAYS check that the traffic has stopped before you start to cross or push a pram onto a crossing.
      • ALWAYS cross between the studs or over the zebra markings. Do not cross at the side of the crossing or on the zigzag lines, as it can be dangerous.
2. At all crossings- make sure you follow the two simple rules:
3. Zebra crossings- make sure you give the traffic plenty of time to notice you before u stop to cross. Then wait until traffic has stopped on both sides or the road is clear to cross. Make sure you keep looking both ways in case a driver or rider has not noticed you.
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      • When there is an island in the middle of a zebra crossing wait on the island and when the traffic is clear or there is a gap in the traffic and cross safely.
4. At traffic lights- there are usually special signs for pedestrians, when the green man appears then it is safe for pedestrians to cross. If you find that you cross the road and the green man has disappeared then you are still in right to cross. If the red man appears then you have to wait until the green man appears again.
5. Pelican crossings- these crossings are controlled by pedestrians and aided by a button. When the red figure shows do not cross but when the green figure appears then you are safe to cross with ease with the traffic.
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      • At some pelican crossings there is a bleeping sound to indicate to blind or partially-sighted people when the steady green figure is showing, and there may be a simple signal to help deaf/blind people.
      • When the road is very busy, traffic on your side of the road may be forced to stop even though their lights are green. Traffic may still be moving on the other side of the road, so press the button and wait for the signal to cross.
6. Puffin and toucan crossings- these crossings are very different to pelican crossings as they do not have a flashing signal. On puffin crossings the red and green figures are above the control box on your side of the road. Press the button and wait for the green figure to show. On toucan crossings cyclists are permitted to ride across the road.
7. Crossings controlled by an authorised person- do not cross the road unless you are signalled to do so by a police officer, traffic warden or school crossing patrol. Always remember to cross in front of them.

Situations needing extra care

1. Emergency vehicles- an ambulance, fire engine, police or other emergency vehicle approaches using flashing blue lights, headlights and/or sirens, keep off the road.
2. Buses- only get off a bus when it has stopped and at a designated bus stop. Never cross the road in front of the bus, do so when it has pulled away and look in both directions.
3. Tramways- sometimes these can run in pedestrian areas and the paths can be marked out by either white lines, dots, indentations in the road or by visible tram lines that are shaped and defined by steel. Remember to cross at designated crossing areas and flashing amber lights always warn that a tram is coming. It is important not to cross in front of a moving tram as they move along quietly and cannot steer to avoid you.
4. Railway level crossings- do not cross if the red lights show, an alarm is sounding or the barriers are being lowered. The tone of the alarm will change if another train is approaching. If there are no lights, alarms or barriers, stop, look both ways and listen before crossing.
5. Street and pavement repairs- a pavement may be closed for a short period of time because it is not safe to use. Take extra care if you are directed to walk in or to cross the road.