Let's talk about a very serious topic: Road safety. It applies to absolutely all people. Parents are obliged from an early age to accustom children to the rules of behavior on the road. It is not recommended to run a red light with a child, even if there are no cars in the distance. After all, you can easily “give” such a habit to a baby.
Let's consider below examples, rules, recommendations on different types of road.
On the highway, avenue, street in the city (controlled traffic)
In big cities, as a rule, there is traffic regulation by traffic lights. Of course, there are also unregulated areas with "zebras". It is best and safest to cross where there are pedestrian traffic lights.
The safety rules on the road (regulated traffic) within the city are as follows:
- be sure to wait for the traffic light to turn green;
- do not run to the "red", even if you can not see the cars in the distance;
- don't run away when the "green" is already flashing at the end of the transition;
- when the "green" for pedestrians lights up, do not rush to go right away,make sure all cars, buses, trucks have stopped.
The last point is always better to follow. Unfortunately, sometimes there is a collision with pedestrians even in such cases. It is clear that, most likely, the driver’s fault, but one’s own life is more precious than any evidence. The greatest danger is in winter in icy conditions, as well as at any time of the year during and after heavy rain. The braking distance, as a rule, increases. And it is not always physically possible to slow down in time.
At intersections, also look carefully in all directions before switching to the green.
Where there are no traffic lights, but there is a zebra (one-way traffic)
And now consider the option where there is no traffic light, but there is a pedestrian crossing with a "zebra". Of course, this area is much more dangerous. But, where there is one-way traffic, everything is much simpler. It is recommended to look in both directions anyway, suddenly someone is driving in reverse (gives a move back).
Don't talk on the phone, listen to music when you're heading towards this transition. You need to hear where the car is going. Even if you can't hear it, you need to see how far it is.
Know that a car, bus, trolleybus, truck should be at a respectful distance (preferably at least 300 meters) from the "zebra", and the speed is not too high. In no case do not run across the road, especially in winter and during / after rain, when it is freezing. Road safety is a very important factor. This needs to be rememberedalways. It is enough to give a few examples where pedestrians, through personal negligence, became victims of an accident. Why repeat the tragic scenario? Parents should be able to explain things to their children as well.
Do not try to cross the road where there is no pedestrian zone. It is better to go the extra 100 - 200 meters, but be calm. It is worth noting another important point: if you see that the car slows down to stop in front of the "zebra", then do not rush to cross or even cross the road. Let the traffic stop.
Two-way traffic and zebra crossing with no traffic lights
Where there is two-way traffic, especially multi-lane traffic, it is much more difficult and dangerous there. How to implement safety on roads of this type? Imagine you are standing at a crosswalk. In the last row (on your side) a car stopped, go, but not very fast. See in advance if the transport has stopped in the second row, then in the third. In no case do not try to stop the car, making it clear that you are already walking in front of it. See if all the cars stopped in the opposite lane. If everyone slowed down, feel free to move on.
Of course, it's safer to go along with someone. Often you can see a picture when pedestrians, without saying a word, wait for each other and cross together. If suddenly, walking along the sidewalk, you see a group of pedestrians ahead, which are already moving from one side to the other, do not rush. After all, cars can already move. Wait for the next opportune moment to move on.
On highways, federal highways
Very interesting, but how do people end upon the other side of a huge highway, where there are no pedestrian zones and traffic lights? An example might be:
- MKAD (Moscow Ring Road);
- highways both within and outside the city;
- avenues within the city;
- federal highways.
Traffic safety on the roads, especially on such roads, requires high vigilance from drivers. After all, there is a large flow of cars, there are very high speeds, the number of lanes is more than five. Many motorists like to rebuild, overtake. What pedestrian zones are we talking about?
That's why there are both pedestrian crossings and covered bridges over the freeway. It may be difficult for many to climb the stairs (almost 4-5 floors of a residential building), but life is out of danger.
Undoubtedly, there are pedestrian crossings in some settlements, but there should be a traffic light. Or, where there is no traffic light, the number of lanes should be as small as possible.
In no case should you run out onto the track even if there are no cars on either side.
Unfortunately, you can often find federal highways where there is an intersection, there is a car, but there is no pedestrian traffic light. Be very careful. It is advisable to walk together with other pedestrians, and not alone.
In rural areas and in towns
A little higher we mentioned roads with intersections and traffic lights. This happens where there is a settlement. We will tell you what safety on the road should be forchildren in this case:
- Unaccompanied adults are strictly forbidden to cross the road on their own;
- if the child is riding a bicycle, in a children's car, on a scooter, wearing roller skates, tell him to get ready to walk, while holding an object next to him.
Now let's talk about roads in settlements. Very often you can see roads without sidewalks in the province, pedestrians have to walk along the carriageway. If there is no alternative route, then go on the safer side, preferably on the opposite side. We have right-hand traffic in our country. Therefore, it is worth walking on the left side in order to see oncoming traffic and move as far as possible in time. An exception may be a sharp turn, beyond which you can not see the car. Then you will have to go where both you and the driver can see.
If it is not possible to walk on the opposite side of the roadside, only in the direction of travel, then look back regularly. It is forbidden to cover your ears with headphones, talk on the phone. You should be able to hear everything from behind.
On the railroad
It's time to talk about "Railway Safety". Modern rail transport is high-speed. What does it mean? Let us give an example of such trains and electric trains as Lastochka, Sputnik, Sapsan, and any rolling stock with a speed of over 200 km/h.
You need to cross the railway tracks only where there are traffic lights and transitional "tracks". If not, then seeare there any trains at least 500 m from you. In this case, there should be no more than two paths. It is forbidden to walk where there is an automatic turnout. Naturally, not every person understands the field of railway transport, it’s just better to have a rule for everyone: do not cross the railway tracks in the wrong place. Only where allowed. It's better to walk the extra 1.5 km in safety than get hit by a train.
Cycling
In megacities there are special paths for cyclists, but not everywhere. If you don’t know the rules, you are afraid of cars, you are driving for the first time, then in no case go out on the road. Use the sidewalk where there are few people.
What are the basic road safety rules for two-wheelers? As you prepare to cross the road, get off your bike and walk. Zebra crossings are not permitted.
In the yard near the house
Child safety on the roads is paramount here. Why? Because it is the kids who love to play in the yard. Unfortunately, there is no strict division between where cars can drive and where children can walk, run, and play. Therefore, from an early age, kids need to be explained so that they do not run out where a car can pass.
It is better for parents to repeatedly raise the topic "Road Safety" for children, teach them to be careful, vigilant.
What happens if you don't follow the rules?
Very often you can hear on the radio, read innewspapers or see with your own eyes what happens to those who do not follow the rules and do not ensure road safety:
- multiple injuries;
- fatal;
- damage to vehicles and things of a pedestrian;
- unpleasant investigation procedures by the authorities.
It is much better if a person takes time for personal safety, waits, even if the traffic light switches only after 3 minutes, than becomes a participant in an emergency.
General rules when on a road or railroad
So we looked at how road safety is ensured. Let's briefly recap the basic rules:
- look back;
- don't talk on the phone;
- don't listen to music;
- do not cross in the wrong place and with a prohibited (red) traffic light.
Parents should only lead small children by the hand, women with strollers need to remember that the child is closer to the road, so be sure to look ahead.
