New traffic law makes it mandatory
to stop at pedestrian crossings
PHILIPSBURG--The amendments to the Traffic Ordinance that goes into effect from Wednesday, August 1, will make it mandatory for vehicles to stop at marked pedestrian crossings thereby giving pedestrians right of way.
A zebra (pedestrian) crossing is a path across a road marked with black and white stripes where pedestrians may cross.
“Pedestrians using the crossing should give traffic plenty of time to see them and to stop before starting to cross,” Government Information Service (GIS) said in a press release.
“Vehicles will need more time when the road is slippery. Remember that traffic does not have to stop until someone has moved onto the crossing. Wait until traffic has stopped from both directions and the road is clear before crossing. Keep looking both ways, and listening, in case a driver or rider has not seen you and attempts to overtake a vehicle that has stopped.
GIS said drivers approaching a Zebra crossing should look out for people waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross. “Use your mirrors frequently on approach so you know exactly what following traffic is up to and stop before the white dotted line – not after it. If you have time, give an arm signal for slowing down. This lets the pedestrians know what you are doing and also warns other vehicles that you are stopping.
“You must give way when someone has moved onto a crossing. Do not wave people across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching. Don’t flash your headlights. Try and make eye contact with anyone waiting. This helps reassure them that they have been seen.”
GIS said drivers should also be aware of pedestrians approaching from the side of the crossing, after they have stopped.
Amendments to the traffic ordinance are to make our road network system safer, GIS said.
