Road skills

Find out the best places to cross a road and how to cross safely using the Green Cross Code.

Using a pedestrian crossing

• push the button
• the WAIT sign will light up
• don’t cross when the red man is lit
• when the green man lights up, make sure all the traffic has stopped, before crossing the road. Walk quickly but do not run across the road
• keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross the road
• if the green man is flashing, do not start to cross the road

Using a zebra crossing

Stand on the pavement beside the zebra crossing.

Look right and left, and wait until the traffic has stopped from both directions. Walk across on the black and white lines.

Keep looking and listening while you cross the road.

Traffic Islands

A traffic island can help you to cross the road.

You must cross each side like it’s a separate road. Use the Green Cross Code while you’re crossing.

Remember - cars do not have to stop for you when you are crossing at a traffic island.

Bridges and subways

Footbridges can be used to cross very busy roads.

If you are alone, subways may not be the best place to cross the road. It is better to walk a bit further and find a pedestrian crossing or other safe place to cross.

The Green Cross Code

There probably won’t be a pedestrian crossing on smaller roads. You will have to use the Green Cross Code.

Find a safe place to cross.

A safe place is where you can see the traffic clearly in all directions.

Stop

Stop just before you get to the kerb.

Look

Look all around for traffic.

Look right, look left and then look right again.

Listen

Listen for traffic.

If there is any traffic coming, let it pass.

When the road is clear go straight across

Walk quickly but don’t run.

Keep looking and listening.

Keep looking and listening while you cross the road.

It is better not to cross between parked cars, as drivers find it hard to see you. Try and find somewhere nearby where there are no cars.

If you have to cross near parked cars, look and listen to make sure the cars are not going to move.

Stand in the road between the parked cars and use the edge of the cars like the kerb.

Do not cross near a large vehicle, like a lorry or van.

Where it is not safe to cross

It is not safe to cross:

• near a junction
• near a bend
• on the top of a hill

Using roads in the country

If there is no footpath you should always walk facing traffic that is coming towards you. Remember to walk close to the side of the road.

Take extra care when two cars are meeting.

If you are with someone, do not walk side by side. You should walk one behind the other or in line. The person with the brightest clothing should walk in front.

Getting off a bus on a country road

Wait on the footpath or verge until the bus has moved well away. Stay on the verge and look both ways and listen for traffic.

When no traffic is coming, walk straight across the road looking and listening as you go.

Other things to look out for

Look out for emergency vehicles with blue flashing lights and sirens, including:

• police cars
• fire engines
• ambulances

If you see an emergency vehicle coming or hear a siren, do not cross the road. They can go very fast and may not be able to stop.

Also look out for:

• cyclists - remember that you may not hear them coming
• bus lanes - buses may be moving faster than the rest of the traffic; cyclists might also be using this lane, they might be travelling quietly and fast

Be seen

You can make it easier for drivers to see you by wearing the right clothes.

You should wear or carry something that is bright.

At night drivers can see you if you wear something reflective.