The Crossing Code

This Crossing Code is designed with 6 simple steps to us instructions on how to cross roads safely. One problem  is that, they often get confused between 'right' and 'left' and do not look properly but simply go through the motions. This code has included the phrases 'look all round' and 'listen'. This is aimed to us more aware of the environment around them, and think before acting.

Start them young, keep them safe.

 To help understand The Crossing Code and practise it yourself to set a good example. Remember: road safety is the responsibility of all road users regardless of age.

1. THINK FIRST : First find a safe place to cross then stop. Here are some of the safer places to cross: Pelican Crossings and Zebra Crossings Be sure that the traffic has stopped before you cross You must cross at these crossings, not near to; otherwise drivers might fail to see you because they are probably concentrating on the crossings Pedestrian footbridges or underpasses are even safer because they separate pedestrians from the traffic Places controlled by policemen, school crossing warden or traffic warden If there are no protected places, then you must find a place where you can see the traffic and the drivers can see you. This means away from parked cars if possible, never on sharp bends or just before the top of a hill. 2. STOP : Stop on the pavement near the kerb. Stop in a position where you can see the traffic and the drivers can see you. Stand a little way back from the kerb, not right on the edge. If traffic passes too close, you could be pulled into the road by passing traffic. Have a good look all around. If there is no kerb, stand back from the edge of the road, but where you can still see traffic coming. 3. USE YOUR EYES AND EARS : Look all around for traffic and listen. Look in every direction. Listen carefully because you can sometimes hear traffic before you can see it. If you have to cross near a junction, you must look and listen for traffic using the side road as well as that on the main road. Remember that drivers have enough to do watching for traffic and they may not think to look for pedestrians. It is better to cross well away from junctions if you can. 4. WAIT TILL IT’S SAFE TO CROSS : If traffic is coming, let it pass. If you can see or hear any traffic coming, let it pass. It is very difficult to judge the speed of oncoming traffic so it is safer to wait. Even when traffic seems to be a long way off, it could be going fast. When the traffic has passed, look all round and listen again. Never cross if you are not sure. Only cross when there is a safe gap and you have plenty of time to do so. 5. LOOK AND LISTEN : When it is safe, walk straight across the road - do not run! Only when you are sure it is safe, then should you cross the road. Walk across in a straight line, not diagonally. Never ever run or you may fall. But still keep on looking and listening for traffic while you cross. 6. ARRIVE SAFELY : Keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross. It’s not difficult to cross a road safely once you follow the Crossing Code’s 6 simple steps. Always remember that you need to be accompanied by an adult when you cross the road.