The year has recently started, and more than 260 people have already died on the roads, and more than 2,000 have been injured in road accidents. Such data were published by the Patrol Police in January. The largest number of accidents with fatalities and injuries among the pedestrians. Road traffic injuries in this category have increased by 25% compared to last year. See detailed statistics.

The International Charitable Foundation Assistance to Victims of Road Accident draws the attention of pedestrians to the mandatory observance of traffic rules (§4 of the Traffic Code. Rights and responsibilities of pedestrians) ) and recalls those points, violation of which often leads to the road accidents.

• Cross the road only at pedestrian crossings

Pedestrians must use pedestrian crossings, including underground and aboveground, intersections along sidewalks or roadsides (paragraph 4.7). If there is no crossing or intersection, and the road has no more than three lanes for both directions, it is allowed to cross it at right angles to the edge of the carriageway where the road is clearly visible in both directions and only after a pedestrian make sure there is no danger (p.4.8).

• Follow the signals of the controller or traffic light

In places where traffic is regulated, pedestrians must be guided by signals of a traffic light (paragraph 4.9), and in their absence ‒ in the middle of the carriageway and can continue the transition only when it is allowed by the appropriate signal of a traffic light or regulator and make sure of the safety of further movement.

• Do not enter the roadway due to vehicles and objects that restrict visibility

Before entering the roadway due to standing vehicles and any objects restricting visibility, pedestrians must make sure that there are no approaching vehicles (paragraph 4.10).

• If there is no sidewalk, move towards the vehicles direction

If there are no sidewalks, footpaths or it is impossible to move on them, pedestrians can move on bicycle paths, keeping the right side and without hindering movement on bicycles, or in one row on the roadside, keeping as far as possible, and in case of its absence or impossibility to move on it (paragraph 4.1). Outside the settlements, pedestrians moving along the roadside or the edge of the carriageway must meet the movement of vehicles (p.4.3).

• Use reflective elements

In the dark and in poor visibility, pedestrians moving on the roadway or roadside must use reflective elements (tape, sticker, vest, etc.) or be in clothes that has reflective elements, for their timely detection by other road users (paragraph 4.4).

Road safety depends on us. Strict observance of traffic rules can not only justify in court, but also save lives!