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  ::: Sunday, Sep. 5, 2010      
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Road Safety  
 
 
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What Pedestrians Can Do

  • Always use the footpath where available and keep away from the edge of the road.
  • Walk in single file, if there is no footpath, walk facing the oncoming traffic.
  • Always use the pedestrian crossing while crossing the road. If there is no pedestrian crossing, cross from a point where you have a clear view of the traffic on both sides of the road.
  • Never cross at bends.
  • Avoid crossing between parked vehicles.
  • After alighting from a vehicle, do not attempt to cross in front/behind the vehicle, before ensuring that it is safe to do so.
  • Follow the pedestrian light signal, wherever available.
  • Use light coloured clothing at night. Make it easier for motorist to see you.



Safe Pedestrian Crossing Code

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Stand on the footpath or at side of the road at the crossing Indicate to motorists by the raising of a hand your intention to cross
When vehicles from both directions have come to a halt, walk straight across the road
Remember!! Do not linger in the area of the crossing if you don’t intend to cross.

Safe Road Crossing Code

Stand on the footpath or at side of the road
Look to your right Then look to your left then to your right again.
If the road is clear, walk straight across and don’t run.



Advice to Bicyclists

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•Always learn to cycle in a safe place. Busy streets are not the place. •Keep your bicycle in good working condition at all times. Ensure that it has an efficient braking system. •Look both sides before entering on to the road. •Do not use footpaths; they are for pedestrians. •Always keep to your left and cycle near the edge of the road. •Communicate clearly your intentions before making a turn or changing lanes, especially when you are crossing at an intersection. •Look behind before turning and signal with your hand in the direction you are turning. •Never cling to other fast moving vehicles. •Avoid all kinds of stunt riding •Do not negotiate turns at high speeds, especially on wet roads. •Do not carry passengers or luggage on the handlebars. The load may upset your balance. •Switch on your light at night. •Have reflectors fitted. •Wear light coloured clothing at night. •Although a helmet are not required by law, wearing one can prevent injury •The only right of way is the one the other driver/rider gives you, especially the one who is bigger/heavier.



What Cyclists Can Do

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•Follow the Highway Code.

Don’t:
* Jump red lights.
* Ride on pavements
* Ride the wrong way in one – way streets.
* Ride across pedestrian crossings.
*Think ahead. Anticipate drivers’ actions. Catch their eye.
*Be visible.
*Ride well clear of the kerb,
*wear bright clothing, and always use lights after dark or in poor daytime visibility.
*Show drivers what you plan to do. Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn.
*Ride a straight line past parked cars rather than dodge between them.
*Move over, when it’s safe and convenient.
*Two – abreast is often OK, but try not to hold up other traffic.
*Ride positively and decisively. It helps motorists to understand what you plan to do.



What Cyclists would like Motorists to Know

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•Cyclists are more vulnerable than motorists – drivers have the major responsibility to take care. Rain, wind and poor visibility make conditions worse for cyclist. •Cyclists can feel threatened by inconsiderate driving. They have a right to space on the road and need extra room at junctions and roundabout where cars change speed, position and direction. •Cyclists ride away from the kerb, not to annoy motorists but to: * Avoid drains, potholes and debris
* Be seen as they come to junctions with side roads
* Discourage drivers from squeezing past when it’s too narrow.

•Cyclists turning right are exposed – and need extra consideration from motorists, especially on roads with fast – moving traffic. •Cyclists are dazzled by full beam headlights, like everyone else. •Cyclists can be fast movers – 20mph or more.


What Motorists Can Do

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•Think bike. Expect to see cyclists, and take care. •Slow down and drive smoothly. Keep within speed limits. Expect sudden movements by cyclists, especially in windy weather and on bad road surfaces. * Signal: always at roundabout every time you pass a cyclist. * Watch for riders on the inside when you turn left. Don’t cut them up.
•Give cyclists space – at least half a car’s width – and never force past them. Be patient – a few seconds for a cyclist hardly affects your total journey time. •Right – turning cyclists need space and time. •Park considerately. Always look for cyclists before opening a car door. •Use dipped headlights. •Expect speed from bikes. Think of a bike as a vehicle – it is.



What Motorists would like Cyclists to Know

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•Motorists get upset if cyclists ride without lights at night, ignore red traffic lights or hop on and off the pavement. •Motorists usually travel faster than cyclists and may have less to take account of hazards. •Motorist may not always see cyclists. •Motorists are made uneasy when cyclists seem hesitant, move out suddenly or wobble around potholes. •Motorists can feel delayed by cyclists. •Motorists don’t always understand that some road surfaces, junctions or traffic conditions cause problems for cyclist.



Advice to Motorists

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•Always dip your lights at night, let others have safe sights. •Obey traffic signs; it’s for the benefit of others as well as for your safety. •Do not overtake around a bend, over the brow of a hill, or at an intersection. •Do not overtake where in any case, you cannot see sufficiently far ahead to overtake with safety •Do not unjustifiably blow your horn. It adds to the noise pollution. •Always comply with the speed limit applicable to your vehicle. •When coming out from a side road, be careful if there are parked cars or large vehicles obstructing your view of a motorcyclist. •Before turning left, make sure a motorcyclist isn’t on your inside, and before turning right, make sure a motorcyclist isn’t on your outside. •Give motorcyclists room at roundabout. •Don’t squeeze motorcyclists’ space at traffic lights. It can make them accelerate faster to get a lane. •Give motorcyclists’ as much room as you would a car. They might need it to avoid- a pothole, a manholes cover, or loose surface.



Driving When Tired

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Laboratory studies have shown that sleep does not occur without warning. Drivers who fall asleep at the wheel first reach the stage of fighting off drowsiness by opening a window or turning up the radio.

This doesn’t work. Try the following instead:

•Find a safe place to stop if you feel drowsy - not on the hard shoulder. •Don’t start a long trip if you are already tired. •Try to avoid long trips between midnight and 6am when you’re likely to feel sleepy anyway.



 
 
 
     
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