Driving around pedestrian and school crossings

Crossing are usually found in areas with lots of people. Stay on the look out for warning signs and road markings to help you.

Where should you practise this?

You can’t guarantee each drive will involve pedestrians crossing your path. Once you’re feeling confident in traffic, pick a route that passes a shopping centre or school.

Tips for pedestrian crossings

• Warning signs and road markings will tell you a pedestrian crossing is ahead.
• As you come up to the crossing, slow down and be ready to stop.
• Stop and give way to any pedestrians on or stepping onto the crossing – this also includes people obviously waiting to use the crossing. Do this by waiting behind the white limit line.
• If there’s no raised traffic island in the middle of the crossing, stop and give way to pedestrians on any part of the crossing.
• If there’s a raised traffic island in the middle of the crossing, stop and give way to pedestrians on your half of the road.
• Don’t drive off until the person has crossed in front of you and is well clear of your vehicle.

Remember:

• If you’re in a line of traffic near a pedestrian crossing, don’t move onto the crossing if there isn’t enough room for your vehicle on the other side of the crossing.
• Don’t pass other vehicles that have slowed down or stopped at a pedestrian crossing.

Tips for school crossings

• Warning signs and road markings will tell you a school crossing is ahead.
• As you come up to the crossing, slow down and be ready to stop.
• If the school patrol stop sign is out, stop behind the white limit line. Stay stopped until all signs have been pulled in.

Remember:

• Keep a look out for children at all times. Take special care when driving during 8–9am and 3–4pm, when children are travelling to and from school.
• Watch out for cars and buses picking up or dropping off children.
• School zones can have a lower speed limit during certain hours.