Road rule lessons for jaywalkers

Police will launch a major awareness campaign shortly to educate the public on the hazards of jaywalking with possible penalties considered in the future, if the public fails to abide by the rules.


Police officers deployed in all major roads with special emphasis on identified hotspots will be talking to pedestrians and passengers about safety while keeping an eye on jaywalkers, Police spokesman SP Prishantha Jayakody said.
Emphasis will be on educating the public and imposing penalties has not been considered as yet, but may come into effect in the future if the move fails, he added.
Some tips the officers offer to the pedestrians are mostly common sense. First, never jaywalk. If crossing at an intersection use the zebra crossings and pedestrian lights, but be sure that the intersection is clear before stepping onto the road.
If there are no pedestrian lights, be sure to wait until it is safe to cross. Make eye contact with drivers and wait for vehicles to stop. Vehicles may slow down, but may not stop.

Be wary of drivers making unexpected moves and always assume drivers can’t see you. At night be visible. Wear reflective clothing. Make sure a vehicle has time to stop before stepping into the road or crossing.

“When there is a vehicle or pedestrian accident, both parties are left with some form of trauma so police have valuable information for drivers as well,” Jayakody said. “Always watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially when visibility is poor. Even if you have a green light, approach intersections with caution.” “Yield to pedestrians crossing the street even if the crosswalk is not marked. Stop well in advance of a stop or crosswalk line,” he said.
“Never pass or overtake a vehicle stopped or stopping for a pedestrian. Let pedestrians know what you’re doing. Use your signals well in advance of a turn.

Be patient as some pedestrians take longer to cross the road than others,” Jayakody said.
Police will also talk to local administrators in any given area such as the Pradeshiya Sabhas and Municipal Councils regarding erecting road signs in needy places. Zebra crossings and signal lights are to be upgraded and installed in all identified hotspots, he said.
The awareness campaign will start from Colombo and later spread across the rest of the country, according to Jayakody.(News-Daily News)