Skip to main content

Road Safety

Pedestrians


Do Stop, Do look, Do listen

Pedestrian deaths account for 1 in 5 deaths on our roads. Walking is an everyday activity for most people. Walking, even recreational walking, involves mixing with other pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Pedestrians need to behave responsibly, exercise care and not endanger or inconvenience other users of the road when walking.

Faulty School Warning Lights

To notify Mayo County Council of issues or faults with School Warning signs please email schoollights@mayococo.ie

Safety tips for Pedestrians


  • Crossing the Road
    • Look for a safe place to cross.
    • Stop and wait near the edge of the road.
    • Look right and left and listen for traffic.
    • Let any traffic travelling in each direction pass and then look right and left again.
    • Quickly walk across the road when it is clear.
    • While crossing continue to watch and listen for traffic coming.
    • Do not cross at a corner or bend in the road.
    • Do not cross near the brow of a hill.
    • Do not cross near or at parked vehicles.
    • Do not cross where there are guard rails along the footpath.
    • Do not run across the road.
  • Faulty Lights At Schools

    To notify Mayo County Council of issues or faults with School Warning signs please email schoollights@mayococo.ie

  • Safe Crossing Places

    Zebra Crossing

    This is marked by yellow flashing beacons. The actual crossing area is marked by black and white zebra stripes. Drivers must let you cross. As they approach the crossing, they should slow down and be prepared to stop. You do not have the right of way over other traffic until you actually step on the zebra crossing. Never step onto the crossing if this would cause a driver to break or swerve suddenly. If there is a central island, treat each side as a separate crossing. Always watch carefully for approaching traffic. Place one foot on the crossing to indicate that you wish to cross.

    Pedestrian Lights

    Pedestrian lights consist of a set of traffic lights for drivers and a set of light signals for pedestrians. When you press the button the lights for the oncoming traffic will turn red after a short while. While the "red man " light is showing you do not cross. When the "green man" light is showing you can then cross carefully. If there is a central island at the pedestrian lights, the "green man" light will only allow you to cross as far as the island. You must press another button before you can cross the rest of the way. For vision-impaired pedestrians an audible bleep signal or vibrating panel on the push button may be in place to indicate when it is safe to cross.

    Pelican Crossing

    At this crossing, an amber light will flash for a short while after the red light for drivers goes out. Similarly, the "green man" light for pedestrians will flash for a short time before changing to the "red man" light. A flashing amber light at a pelican crossing gives priority to pedestrians.

    Traffic Lights

    If you are crossing at traffic lights, but there are no signals for pedestrians, check the lights in both directions. When the traffic on the road you wish to cross is governed by a red light, cross carefully. Look out for traffic that might be turning onto the road you wish to cross and remember that some traffic lights allow drivers to proceed in some lanes when other lanes are stopped. Be especially careful at junctions with filter lanes.

  • Walking at night

    Visibility on roads and paths is often poor at night.

    • Be seen - Always wear reflective clothing when walking at night, e.g. armband or jacket. Also, carry a flashlight to increase your visibility.
    • Be safe - Walk with someone else or somewhere where people can see you.
  • Walking beside or along a road
    • If there is a footpath you must use it.
    • If there is no footpath, you must walk as near as possible to the right-hand side of the road facing the oncoming traffic.
    • Do not walk more than two abreast. If the road is narrow or carries heavy traffic you should walk in single file.
    • You should always wear reflective clothing when walking outside built-up areas at night.
    • You should always carry a torch when walking at night.

    For more information on road safety log on to www.rsa.ie

10 Tips for Driving and Walking Safely

Top 10 tips for ensuring your safety behind the wheel and out walking


    1. It's your responsibility to drive and walk safely so always be alert and attentive to the motorists and pedestrians around you. 
    2. Never drink and drive. And don't let friends drive drunk. 
    3. Always buckle up. The life you save could be your own. 
    4. Obey traffic signals and signs. They are there to keep you and others safe. 
    5. Make sure you have plenty of time to get to your destination so you don't feel pressured to speed or disobey traffic signals. 
    6. Don't give into road rage. Your life and the lives of your passengers are more important than angrily reacting to an irresponsible driver. 
    7. Pedestrians should always wear light-coloured or reflective clothing at night to be more visible to drivers. 
    8. Before you take a right turn at a junction, make sure it is safe to do so. (More than one-third of all deaths to vehicle occupants occur in side-impact crashes. Most of these occur at junctions.) 
    9. Obey the speed limits and make sure you drive carefully through junctions and work zones. 
    10. Don't drive when you are drowsy. If you are drowsy, pull over at a rest area and take a nap before proceeding. 


Back to top