Zebra crossing awareness campaign launched

A ZEBRA crossing awareness campaign is being rolled out in Mayo this week.

The Road Safety Office of Mayo County Council, working with the gardaí and other groups, has produced leaflets to explain the rules and laws around the various types of pedestrian crossings.

Zebra crossings are essential safety features commonly used on popular routes to schools, shopping centres and parks. But when drivers fail to give way to pedestrians, it can have deadly consequences.

The cathaoirleach of the council's roads and transportation committee, Councillor Damien Ryan, said: “The pedestrian or zebra crossing is intended to guarantee pedestrians and wheelchair users a safe way of crossing the road. Unfortunately, accidents at zebra crossings are all too common nationwide so extra care and a better understanding of zebra crossings is called for.

“We are calling on drivers to play their part in protecting the lives of pedestrians, and to allow them to safely walk through designated areas when crossing the road.

“Pedestrians and motorists are equally responsible for pedestrian safety. Pedestrians can’t do much to improve a driver’s habits, just like drivers can’t do anything about pedestrian behaviours. We all must take responsibility to follow the law, pay attention and share the road.”

The Road Safety Office has produced leaflets to explain the rules around crossings

A zebra crossing is marked by yellow flashing beacons. The actual crossing area is marked by black and white ‘zebra’ stripes. Drivers must stop to let you cross. As they approach the crossing, they should slow and be prepared to stop. They must stop behind the stop line if there is one and must not enter any part of the crossing. Even if the pedestrian has passed your lane of traffic, you must still wait for them to cross the entire road - not just out of your driving lane.

Drivers must not overtake or park within areas covered by zig-zag markings on either side of the crossing.

You do not have the right-of-way over other traffic until you actually step onto the crossing. Never step onto the crossing if this would cause a driver to brake or swerve suddenly.

You must not cross within the area marked by zig-zag white lines if these are provided on either side of a zebra crossing. If they are not provided, you must not cross within 15 metres of the crossing.

If there is a central island, treat each side as a separate crossing.

Always watch carefully for approaching traffic. Place one foot on the crossing to indicate that you wish to cross. Wait until traffic has stopped before you start crossing.