NRMA Motoring Blog

The road isn’t only for motorists and cyclists - it’s for pedestrians too. As with cars, there are a number of rules, some better known than others, that govern how pedestrians use the road - as well as fines for breaking them.

Fatal crashes on NSW roads are up this year compared to the same period last year, as is the number of pedestrians killed. There have been 56 pedestrian fatalities so far this year. In the same period in 2008, 38 pedestrians were killed.

Part 14 of Road Rules 2008 covers pedestrians. Some of the key rules in this section are:

230  Crossing a road – general

1. A pedestrian crossing a road:
   (a)  must cross by the shortest safe route, and
   (b)  must not stay on the road longer than necessary to cross the road safely.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

236  Pedestrians not to cause a traffic hazard or obstruction

1. A pedestrian must not cause a traffic hazard by moving into the path of a driver.
   Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
2. A pedestrian must not unreasonably obstruct the path of any driver or another pedestrian.

238  Pedestrians travelling along a road (except in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy)

1. A pedestrian must not travel along a road if there is a footpath or nature strip adjacent to the road, unless it is impracticable to travel on the footpath or nature strip.

Read the full Rules for pedestrians.

Most of the Rules for pedestrians are taught to us as children. However, pedestrian deaths continue to be significant. As the road is a shared zone, it is important that all users respect and adhere to the rules to make it the safe place that it can be.

Has pedestrian education fallen by the wayside? Should the rules for pedestrians be better policed?