Horrible Car Crash at an Intersection

Horrible Car Crash at an Intersection



Pedestrian safety

Pedestrians, along with cyclists and motorcyclists are collectively classified as vulnerable road users due to their lack of protection in the event of a crash.

Especially vulnerable are:

*
children under 14 years of age
*
those aged 60 years and older, and
*
the intoxicated.

Densely built up and busy urban environments are areas where pedestrians are most at risk.

Issues
Visibility

One of the key factors involved in pedestrian crashes is that other road users do not see them until it is too late, or that they step out from concealed locations. Light coloured clothing with reflective properties is the safest option for pedestrians, especially at night.
Rules for pedestrians

As for other road users, specific road rules apply for pedestrians. Failure to obey these rules is often a contributor to pedestrian crashes. To minimise the risk of being involved in a crash, pedestrians should always use crossings and obey the signals.
Alcohol

Just as for drivers pedestrians can be affected by alcohol. This is usually demonstrated by a slowing of reflexes and impairment in judgment. This can lead to errors in judgment when crossing traffic road.
Age

Young children are at higher risk as pedestrians due to lack of experience and skills needed to be a safe road user, and therefore should always be supervised by adults around traffic. At the other end of the spectrum, adults over 60 years of age start to experience a change in their mobility and a deterioration in their eyesight and hearing, which can make it more difficult to judge distances and the speed of traffic.