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Pedestrians

Almost everyone is a pedestrian at some stage. Pedestrians include someone who walks, or uses a motorised or non-motorised wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Why pedestrians are more vulnerable

Pedestrians are at risk as they are not protected by the structure of a vehicle. They are more susceptible to serious injury or the possibility of losing their lives. Pedestrians are at greater risk of death or injury if they are hit at impact speeds above 30 km/h.

Pedestrians are most exposed in busy areas. This includes shopping centres, transport interchanges and schools.

The most vulnerable pedestrians are children and older people and older people. Both younger and older people may have difficulty making speed and gap judgements. Older people (70+) tend to be frailer and if hit by a car the outcome is likely to be more severe. Children are smaller, harder for drivers to see. Children are also less predictable than other pedestrians.

The presence of alcohol or drugs in a pedestrian's system can impair their ability to safely navigate roads and traffic.

Tips to increase your safety as a pedestrian

  • Make yourself more visible.
  • Don't be distracted by your mobile phone.
  • Use safe routes and road crossings where possible.
  • Choose the safest place and time to cross.
  • Always take extra time to look before you step out onto the road.

Crossing the road safely

Choosing a safe place to cross

As a pedestrian, you should always choose the safest place to cross the road.

When crossing a road:

  • Walk straight across the road.
  • Continue looking both ways.
  • Listen for traffic while you cross.
  • Make sure you have a clear view of approaching traffic.
  • Make sure that drivers see you.

Other tips:

  • Always choose a safe place to cross the road.
  • Whenever possible, use a pedestrian crossing, pedestrian traffic signals or pedestrian refuge.
  • If you cannot cross the whole road in one attempt, wait on the pedestrian refuge or median strip.
  • Ensure you are not distracted by your mobile phone and remove headphones before crossing the road.

The Road Rules require pedestrians to:

  • cross the street by the safest route
  • not stay on the road any longer than is necessary to cross it.

Offences and penalties apply for not complying with the law.

Crossings

Even at crossings, it is important to remain alert and check vehicles are stopping for you. Always make sure traffic has stopped before stepping out onto the road.

Crossings for pedestrians come in various forms.

Marked foot crossings

Marked foot crossings have two parallel broken white lines. The lines indicate where pedestrians must cross with:

  • pedestrian lights facing pedestrians
  • traffic lights facing drivers.

Pedestrian crossings

Pedestrian crossings have white parallel stripes across the road with pedestrian crossing signs. They are sometimes referred to as zebra crossings.

For details about children's crossings in school zones, including wombat, emu and koala crossings, see Safety around Schools.

Signalised pedestrian crossings

Many traffic lights have pedestrian signals to help you cross the road safely. Press the button and wait for the lights to change to the green walk signal before crossing. Often, traffic signals for pedestrians are located on busy roads to stop vehicles and help pedestrians safely cross the road.

Traffic signals for pedestrians may also be installed at mid-block locations. As a pedestrian, make sure vehicles stop before you cross. Do not walk if vehicles are travelling through the crossing or if the red "don’t walk" signal appears.

Some intersections have pedestrian countdown timers, which replaces the flashing person. The countdown shows the number of seconds you have left to cross before the traffic will be given a green light. The timers can help you decide if you have enough time to cross safely.

Some signalised pedestrian crossings have longer clearance times. These are usually near hospitals, elderly care homes or schools. There are also high-volume crossings that hold the red light longer for drivers when a pedestrian is detected in the crossing. This helps pedestrians who need more time to cross the road.

As a driver, it is your responsibility to give way to pedestrians at all crossings.

Railway level crossings

Do not cross a railway level crossing if:

  • there are warning lights
  • the boom gate is down or opening or closing.

Wait for the bells and lights to stop, then cross safely at the pedestrian crossings once clear.

Crossing the road at other places

It is always best to cross at a pedestrian crossing, if available. You must cross at a marked crossing if there is one within 20 metres.

If there is no crossing:

  • Always walk straight across the road. Don’t jay-walk.
  • Do not take risks. Don’t be complacent about safety.
  • Pick the shortest and safest route. Allow plenty of time to cross.
  • Keep checking to ensure the road remains clear.
  • Make sure you remain visible to drivers. Don’t cross near trees and buses.
  • Avoid crossing near a bend or a crest in the road.
  • Don’t cross at roundabouts, unless there is a pedestrian crossing.
  • Consider crossing the road in two stages, if there is a safe median.
  • Stay focused. Don't be distracted.

Slip lanes

Drivers on a slip lane must give way to pedestrians and bicycle riders on or about to cross the slip lane.

Before setting out on to the road as a pedestrian, ensure:

  • drivers have seen you
  • vehicles are stopping for you.

Sharing the road

Pedestrians should always use the footpath. Where there are no footpaths, pedestrians should walk on the nature strip or hard shoulder of the road facing the oncoming traffic.

How pedestrians can safely share the road with drivers

  • Stay visible:
    • Wear or carry something bright.
    • At night, wear something reflective or carry a torch.
    • Cross where there is lighting or marked pedestrian crossings, if possible.
  • Be aware of turning vehicles:
    • Take note of vehicles turning into the road you are crossing.
  • Choose a safe place to cross:
    • Cross on a straight section of road, where you can see both directions of traffic and drivers can see you.
  • Avoid distractions:
    • Be alert.
    • Don’t use your mobile phone.
    • Remove your headphones to cross a road.

Pedestrians can safely share the road with trucks by keeping out of the way when they are turning. At intersections, look out for turning vehicles and note that trucks can take much longer to come to a stop.

Shared use paths

Shared paths are areas designated for use by both pedestrians and bicycle riders. Cyclists must keep left and give way to pedestrians on a shared path. Pedestrians include people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

When walking while visibility is low:

  • Ensure you wear bright visible clothing because some paths may not be well lit.
  • Do not walk on a designated bike path unless you are crossing the path.

South Australia's Walking Strategy

The South Australian Walking Strategy 2022-2032 prioritises the planning of walkable neighbourhoods, town and cities. It aims to build connected walking environments that create a culture of walking in South Australia.