Planning and awareness Flashcards
What are the types of pedestrian crossings?
Zebra
Pelican
Puffin
Toucan
Zebra crossings
Look for pedestrians around or near the crossing and be prepared to stop for them.
Check the traffic behind you as you may need to stop and you need to assess how that will affect other road users.
You MUST give way to any pedestrians on the crossing and wait until they have left the crossing before proceeding.
A Zebra crossing with a central island should be treated as two separate crossings.
You must not park on or near a zebra crossing. The zig zag lines mark out this area.
You must not overtake when in the area of the zig zag lines or on the crossing.
Flashing yellow beacon on both sides
Pelican crossings
The main difference with Pelican crossings compared to the other traffic light controlled crossings, is that is has a flashing amber light.
The flashing amber light means you can go once the crossing is clear. I remember this as ” you peliCAN go at a flashing amber light if it is clear.”
As you approach the crossing:
Check traffic behind you, as you may need to stop.
Check for pedestrains at or near the crossing.
Be prepared for lights to change if there is a pedestrian near by.
You must not park or overtake on the zig zag lines or the crossing
Look to see if crossing box lit
Puffin crossings
Approach Puffin crossings the same way you would approach Pelican crossing.
The difference comes with the light sequence. Instead of a flashing amber light, Puffin crossings have a sensor to sense when pedestrians have crossed; at this point you will get a solid amber and red, followed by green
Toucan and equestrian crossings
These both work in the same way as a Puffin crossing.
Toucan crossings are used by pedestrians and cyclists, so will be near cycle routes. You can remember this by remembering that it has two types of users, so “two can cross a Toucan crossing”
Equestrian crossings are used by horse riders and works the same as a Pelican crossing.
Rules and advice for all crossings
Never park on one, it stops pedestrians from crossing safely
If queuing in traffic, always keep the crossing clear
Never park on zig zag lines, as this obstructs both the pedestrians and drivers views
Do not overtake the moving vehicle nearest to a crossing
Do not overtake the first vehicle that has stopped at a crossing
Give yourself additional time to stop if the road is wet or icy
Take extra care if your view of the crossing is blocked by queuing traffic, pedestrians may step out in the traffic
Always allow pedestrians plenty of time to cross
Be aware of people crossing at the last minute
What planning and awareness things do we need to be aware of?
Pedestrian crossings
Traffic lights
Tight bends
Buses
Pedestrians
Parked cars
Schools
Pedestrian crossings
Is there anyone waiting?
Anyone approaching the crossing?
Yes = slow down and be prepared to stop
Traffic lights
Likely to change on approach?
Possible if green/red for a while - adjust speed as necessary and be prepared to stop - don’t want to stop suddenly
Tight bends
Signs?
Adjust speed so can come round them safely
Cannot see round = more imp - don’t know what will be there, e.g., parked car
Buses
Plan for it moving out
Adjust speed and use MSPSL
Be aware of pedestrians stepping out
Adjust speed correctly
Beware of overseas buses, that pedestrians don’t step directly into the road
Pedestrians
Likely to step out?
E.g., through town - may step out w/o looking properly
Always drive slowly in areas where pedestrians are likely to be on or near the road
Take extra care when near schools
Driving past parked cars
Someone could open door w/o checking
Could step out between cars
Be aware of speed and surroundings
Schools
At busy times = 20mph limit
Child could run into road
Aware of speed and surroundings at all times
How is a 20mph limit shown around schools
Signs and lights on approach
