Teaching Pedestrian Crossings to New Drivers

No matter what type of crossing you are dealing with the basic method remains the same. Plan in advance and use the standard mirrors signal manoeuvre routine on approach. This method is a part of all driving manoeuvres and needs to be put in place early in the driver training. Check well in advance for pedestrian activity and approach at a speed that would allow you to stop the vehicle if necessary. If a pedestrian obviously intends to cross then stop at the line. Using the handbrake will stop the car being pushed forward if hit from behind. Don't produce excessive noise by revving the engine.

Owing to parked vehicles it is common for sight lines to be blocked on the approach to a pedestrian crossing. Slow down early as people may step out from between parked cars or from around a building if the crossing is next to a junction. Consider the stopping distance for your current speed when approaching. Do not park on the lane markings or actually stop over the crossing when in a traffic queue. This is something often seen and accounts for many accidents.

There are a few main types of crossing seen around town. The Zebra crossing is probably the most common type. Identified by it's flashing beacons and stripes on the road it is basically just a give way line. As there is no traffic light control it falls to the driver to see what people are doing in advance. If there is a central reservation then the crossing is counted as two separate halves. Traffic may proceed if their half is clear.

One crossing familiar to driving instructors will be the Pelican crossing. It is traffic light controlled and has a unique flashing amber light system. When the amber light flashes prior to the green light it means that the driver should give way to pedestrians in the act of crossing. If it is clear you may proceed. Many learner drivers lose concentration at times and will often sit stationary in front of the flashing amber light when the way is obviously clear. Driving instructors may need to use diagrams to ensure learners understand the sequence of the lights.

The Puffin crossing is a difficult one to spot during driving lessons. It's distinguishing feature is a small camera placed on top of the traffic light which monitors pedestrian activity. If someone pushes the crossing button and then walks away the red light phase is cancelled altogether to maintain traffic flow. When a person has crossed the road the lights change back to green immediately. This can catch learner drivers out if they have not been taught to identify the type of crossing early.

Finally we have the Toucan crossing which is designed to be used by cyclists and pedestrians at the same time. Cyclists are not required to dismount. If the driver training route goes nearby a horse stables the learners may encounter the equestrian crossing for use by horse riders. These are location specific so chances are you may never actually see one.