How drivers really handle children on the crosswalk

How drivers really handle children on the crosswalk

Enlightenment about zebra crossing: Safety in road traffic for children

The safety of children in road traffic is a central topic that affects not only drivers, but also all road users. Especially at pedestrian crossings, popularly known as a crosswalk, there can be dangerous situations for young pedestrians. Experts emphasize the importance of how adults should react in such moments to protect the children and give them security.

The role of drivers: patience and mindfulness

When a child is on the crosswalk and hesitates to walk across the street, it is particularly important for drivers to behave correctly. Jeannine Ulm, spokeswoman for the Auto Club Europe (ACE), recommends that you are particularly attentive in such situations and to slow down immediately. Instead of running close to the zebra crossing or accelerating with the vehicle unannounced, it is advisable to stop and wait completely. This procedure not only serves security, but also helps not to unsettle the child.

rules of conduct for children on the crosswalk

children should learn that they have to make sure before they walk over the crosswalk. It is not advisable to give the children a hand signal, as this may cause them to run carelessly onto the street without paying attention to vehicle traffic. In this context, one fears that drivers have to be given a partial debt in the event of an accident if they have encouraged a hand signal to cross the street.

What applies when crossing by bike?

The traffic rules on the crosswalk are clear: pedestrians and wheelchair users have priority, while cyclists lose priority if they drive on the crosswalk. Under certain circumstances, however, children are allowed to use the pedestrian crossing on the bike, but they have to consider certain age limits: they have to drive on the sidewalk up to the age of eight. Until they are ten years old, they can still use the sidewalk, but have no priority on the zebra crossing if they are on the bike.

promote security awareness

The clarification of the correct handling of zebra crossing is an important step to promote security consciousness in both children and adults. The ACE advises to always support children when switching off from the bike if they want to cross the zebra crossing. These measures contribute to increasing the safety in road traffic and minimizing the risk of accidents. The social responsibility to protect children in these everyday situations should be taken seriously from everyone.

- Nag