Crossing the road safely

Pedestrians have to share the road with vehicles so it is important they take care when crossing the road. As a pedestrian, plan where you will walk and always choose the safest place to cross a road.

Pedestrian Community Resources

VicRoads has developed a set of engaging video and print resources to inform the community about pedestrian safety when crossing roads.

Fact sheets

Video animations

VicRoads has produced five video animations that explore different road crossing situations that can be incorporated into a community education session. These are supported by fact sheets on the same topics. You can view the animations on the VicRoads YouTube Channel (External link).

Stop, Look, Listen, Think

Follow the safe road crossing procedure – STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK.

  • STOP one step back from the kerb or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath. 
  • LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic. 
  • LISTEN in all directions for approaching traffic. 
  • THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped. 

When crossing, walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.

This information is particularly relevant to young people learning to cross roads. But it also provides a useful reminder to everyone particularly to those who may be distracted when crossing the road.

  • Whenever possible, cross at a pedestrian crossing, traffic signal or pedestrian refuge.
  • Make sure you have a clear view of approaching traffic, and where drivers can see you.
  • If you cannot cross the whole road in one attempt, wait on the pedestrian refuge or median strip.

Even at crossings you still need to remain alert and check whether vehicles are stopping for you. Always make sure traffic has actually stopped before stepping onto the road.

Remember children’s crossings are legally active only when the flags are displayed. If a school crossing supervisor is on duty, cross only when he or she indicates that it is safe.

  • A green man means you can cross, if it is safe to do so.
  • A flashing red man means you can continue to cross but should not start crossing.
  • A steady red man means do not start to cross - wait for the green man before beginning to cross.

  • Walk straight across the road – don’t jay-walk.
  • Keep checking in both directions to make sure the way is clear.
  • Try not to cross the road from between parked cars or near trees and bushes as drivers may not see you.
  • Avoid crossing near a bend or crest in the road. Give yourself a good chance to see vehicles coming from both directions.
  • Avoid crossing on roundabouts, particularly multi-lane roundabouts as they are very busy and complex and cars are not required to give way to you, unless there is a pedestrian crossing. Find somewhere further away from the roundabout to safely cross the road.

At railway level crossings, don’t cross the level crossing if there are warning lights, or if the boom gates are closed (or closing or opening). Wait for the bells and lights to stop and the boom gates to be raised before crossing. Many crashes occur because pedestrians cross immediately after a train, not realising a second train is coming.

At tram stops, don’t cross the road to get on a tram until the tram has stopped at the tram stop. Make sure traffic has seen you and is stopping before you step out onto the road to get on or off the tram. When you get off the tram you must cross to the nearest footpath by the shortest safe route. Walking around the front or rear of a tram to cross a road is extremely risky as other road users cannot see you.

When you are crossing a road, you may be able to see a driver, but it doesn’t mean that the driver has seen you. So take extra care when crossing the road.

Here are some tips to make sure you can be seen.

  • Cross where you can easily see the traffic approaching from both directions.
  • Avoid crossing roads near the crest of a hill or a bend, because it is harder for drivers to see you in these places.
  • Cross at:
    • a pedestrian crossing (like a zebra crossing), 
    • signalised pedestrian crossing, or 
    • where there is a pedestrian refuge (island in the middle of the road), if possible.

If you are walking at night or on dark or foggy days it is important to be easily seen, so:
  • wear light and bright coloured clothing
  • wear something reflective and carry a torch or light at night
  • cross the road near street lights, if there are any.

There are important things you can do to increase your safety. Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Victoria have developed the following information to improve your safety and help raise your confidence when walking around the streets.

Remember:

  • Plan where you will walk and always choose the safest place to cross the road
  • Whenever possible, cross at a pedestrian crossing, traffic signal or pedestrian refuge
  • If you cannot cross the whole road in one attempt, wait on the pedestrian refuge
  • Walk at times when there are other pedestrians
  • Wear bright or light coloured clothing so others can see you.

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