Road Safety Scotland

Pedestrians

We are all pedestrians, even if it is just walking short distances. Although pedestrians are quite vulnerable when pitted against a vehicle there are lots of things we can do to make us safer. This section provides advice and guidance for pedestrians for keeping safe on or near roads.

The environmental and health benefits of walking are well recognised. Unfortunately the reasons given by people for not walking more include fear of speeding traffic and danger of road accidents.

Efforts are being made to make walking a safer, more pleasant form of 'transport' in Scotland. These include initiatives such as:-

  • Creating footpath networks away from traffic
  • Safer Routes to School
  • Traffic calming and reducing traffic speeds
  • Improved maintenance of pavements and pedestrian areas

The Highway Code gives good advice to pedestrians on keeping safe when walking near traffic. The Highway Code is available in all good bookstores

Children are particularly vulnerable has many have not developed the crossing strategies that we have as adults. There is a special highway code for young people called Arrive Alive. Information from this book can be found on the Department for Transport's website.

Updated on: 04 July 2008 Accessibility | Help | Site map | Terms of use