Giving Way to Pedestrians When Turning: A Quick Guide

As exciting as driving is, it also comes with a responsibility that all drivers are expected to uphold. While a driving school can teach you how to drive, understanding and accepting the moral and legal responsibility of maintaining road safety is up to the individual. To ensure road safety, those using the roads must always be aware and considerate of each other and the road conditions. Among all road users, pedestrians are considered the most vulnerable. This is so because pedestrians have no protection in case of an accident compared to other road users who have vehicles to protect them from damage and fatal injuries. Hence, one of the most important driving lessons is learning the rules to interact with pedestrians, especially when turning. Whether you’re an experienced driver or a newbie, you must know the rules and best practices for giving way to pedestrians when turning. In this guide, we will discuss all the rules for giving way to pedestrians so that you can ensure the safety of all road users.

Understand What the Law Says:

Laws about the right of way are made to ensure safety and order on the road. Waiting for the pedestrians to cross first is not just a moral duty but also a legal responsibility. In Australia, the law says you must always give way to pedestrians when turning. Also, when turning left or right at an intersection, you must give way to pedestrians crossing the road you’re about to enter. Whether the intersection is with or without traffic lights, the right of way remains with the pedestrians and you must let them pass first.

Be Careful When Approaching Intersections:

Making a wild and quick turn is dangerous, but if you do it without even checking for pedestrians, it can turn fatal too. So, how do you ensure the pedestrians and you are both safe when turning? By slowing down and keeping your eyes open and on the road around you. When you make a turn, ensure there are no pedestrians around and adjust the speed as the road requires.

Establish Eye Contact with Pedestrians:

When you check the road before turning and find pedestrians wanting to cross, you must give way and let them pass. And to do that, there has to be some tacit understanding between you and the pedestrians that decides when you will wait. So, first, you should establish eye contact with them and let them know that you’re aware of their presence and will wait to let them pass.

Don’t Rush the Turn:

Waiting for the pedestrians to cross so that you can finally make that turn can be frustrating. However, you must remember to be cautious and avoid rushing. Wait for all the pedestrians to fully cross the road before you make your turn to reduce the risk of potential accidents.

Obey Rules for Crosswalks and Signals:

Following the rules reduces the chances of accidents and ensures the safety of everyone on the road. So, you must follow the rules of giving way at crosswalks and obeying the pedestrian signals to avoid running into anyone unexpectedly. If you’re new to driving or not sure what all the rules and signs mean, you can always join a good driving school or enroll in a Safer Drivers Course and learn more about traffic rules and road etiquette.

Be Mindful of Blind Spots:

When turning at an intersection, remember to check your mirrors and blind spots first. Sometimes, blind spots can become the reason for accidents as drivers focus only on the front and end up hurting someone coming in from the side. It’s important to ensure no pedestrians are around or ahead of you before you take the turn.

Driving in Low Visibility Conditions:

Low light or other factors can reduce your visibility. If you’re facing low-visibility issues due to any reason, you should be extra careful when turning. Poor visibility can make it difficult to spot pedestrians. You should reduce your speed and stay alert and aware of the road so you don’t end up hurting an innocent pedestrian crossing the road.

Remember Patience is a Virtue:

In these fast-paced lives, we’re all rushing to reach somewhere or do something. However, in your rush, you must not forget that the safety of the pedestrians and other road users is in your hands too. If you’re not sure about the rules of giving way, ask your instructor or join a good driving school like Onroad Driving Education to broaden your knowledge! They will teach you all about the various traffic rules like giving way to pedestrians as well as all the best practices to ensure you’re well-behaved on the road. Ensure you drive safely and follow the rules even if it takes some time. Remember, pedestrian safety is more important than rushing through a turn and possibly hurting someone.

Source Link[onroad.com.au]