Pedestrians are among the many most weak street customers, dealing with dangers from dashing automobiles, distracted drivers, and poor street infrastructure.
With increasing road accidents involving pedestrians in Ghana, it is very important prioritise security when strolling in traffic-heavy areas.
Highway visitors accidents stay a number one reason behind accidents and fatalities worldwide, and pedestrians usually bear the brunt of those incidents. Components similar to reckless driving, jaywalking, lack of pedestrian crossings, and insufficient road lighting contribute to the risks pedestrians face every day.
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To cut back the danger of accidents, pedestrians ought to take the next precautions:
1. Use Designated Crossings
At all times use pedestrian crossings, zebra crossings, or footbridges when obtainable. Crossing at random factors will increase the danger of being hit by a car.
2. Obey Visitors Alerts
Await the inexperienced pedestrian gentle earlier than crossing and keep away from crossing when automobiles have the precise of method.
3. Keep Seen
Put on vibrant or reflective clothes, particularly at night time or in low-light situations, to make sure drivers can see you clearly.
4. Keep away from Distractions
Utilizing cellphones or sporting headphones whereas strolling can cut back consciousness of oncoming automobiles. Keep alert and targeted in your environment.
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5. Look Left, Proper, and Left Once more
Earlier than stepping onto the street, at all times verify for oncoming automobiles, even on one-way streets.
6. Stroll on the Sidewalk
If there’s a pavement or sidewalk, use it. If not, stroll on the sting of the street dealing with oncoming visitors to see approaching automobiles.
7. Be Cautious at Intersections
Autos turning at intersections might not at all times discover pedestrians. Make eye contact with drivers earlier than crossing to make sure they’ve seen you.
8. Keep away from Jaywalking
In keeping with Wikipedia, jaywalking is the act of pedestrians strolling in or crossing a roadway if that act contravenes visitors laws. Crossing the street all of a sudden or from behind parked automobiles reduces a driver’s response time and will increase the danger of an accident.
Whereas pedestrians should take precautions, drivers additionally play an important function in making certain pedestrian security. Dashing, reckless driving, and ignoring pedestrian crossings endanger lives. Motorists ought to decelerate in pedestrian zones, cease for pedestrians at crossings, and stay vigilant in high-footfall areas.
Highway security is a shared duty between pedestrians, drivers, and policymakers. Governments should spend money on higher street infrastructure, together with well-marked pedestrian crossings, footbridges, and road lighting. At the same time, public awareness campaigns can educate people on safe road practices.
By following these security measures and staying vigilant, pedestrians can cut back their danger of street accidents and guarantee safer journeys for everybody.
