Pedestrians can increase their safety in the road environment by making themselves more visible and using safe routes and road crossings where possible.

Drivers can help make the road environment safer for pedestrians by scanning for pedestrians at crossings and intersections, and being aware of the potential presence of pedestrian affected by alcohol around entertainment venues and at festive seasons. Drivers should adapt their speed in locations where there is a high amount of pedestrian activity.

Pedestrian safety

Almost everyone is a pedestrian at some stage and, as such, is a vulnerable road user. Over the last five years, nearly 1 in every 7 road deaths in South Australia was a pedestrian. View more on pedestrians involved in road crashes [PDF] in South Australia.

FAQs

When I am walking and crossing a driveway do I have to give way to an entering car?

Vehicles driving in or out of private property or a road related area must give way to pedestrians on the footpath. It is always best however to be cautious and make sure you make eye contact with the driver.

Do I have to use a designated pedestrian crossing to a cross a major road?

It is always best to cross at pedestrian crossing if there is one available and you must cross at crossing if there is one within 20 meters.

If there is not a crossing, always cross the road by the shortest and safest route, make sure you can be seen and allow plenty of time to cross. Some main roads have raised medians to help you cross the road in two stages.

Can I cross at the traffic signals when the pedestrian signal is flashing red?

Only cross at pedestrian lights when the light is green. If you are crossing with a green light and the light changes to flashing red, you must cross to the other side of the road, or the nearest traffic island designated for pedestrians, as quickly and safely as possible

What the Law says

Under the Road Traffic Act 1961 and the Australian Road Rules a number of offences exist in relation to walking without regard to other road users or without regard to safety. It is an offence to walk without reasonable consideration for other road users

Under the Australian Road Rules:

• It is an offence for a pedestrian to cross a road diagonally unless at an intersection where this is allowed.
• A pedestrian must cross a road by the shortest safest route and they can only cross when the pedestrian lights are green.
• A pedestrian must not cross a road within 20 metres of a crossing on the road, except at the crossing or another crossing.

Drivers should be aware of the Road Rules relating to pedestrians particularly when it is necessary to give way to pedestrians when turning or when driving in or out of road related areas and private property.

Penalties

Penalties apply for offences under the Australian Road Rules. 

Links

The Drivers handbook

The pedestrian council of Australia

Motor Accident Commission - Pedestrian Campaign

Australian Road Rules

Pedestrians involved in road crashes [PDF]