Pedestrians and crossings

By the end of this topic you can

• You can recognise pedestrian (zebra), children's and wombat crossings.
• You can give way to pedestrians when turning and at crossings.
• You can drive safely in shared zones and busy shopping strips.
• You can anticipate pedestrians stepping out from behind parked cars or buses.

What you need to know and understand

• At a pedestrian crossing (zebra stripes), you must give way to any pedestrian on or entering the crossing.
• A wombat crossing is a pedestrian crossing on a raised hump; the same give way rule applies.
• At a children's crossing with orange flags out, you must stop and stay stopped while any pedestrian is on the crossing.
• When turning at an intersection, you must give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.
• In a shared zone, you must give way to pedestrians and keep to the signed low speed limit.
• You must not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing, and must not stop within 20 metres before or 10 metres after a pedestrian crossing unless signs allow.

Three crossings, three rules

At signalised crossings, pedestrians cross on their green walking figure. When your light turns green, still give way to anyone who has not finished crossing.

• Pedestrian (zebra) crossing: give way to anyone on or stepping onto it; slow down on approach and be ready to stop.
• Wombat crossing: a raised zebra crossing; slow down for the hump and give way in the same way.
• Children's crossing: when the flags are displayed, stop for anyone on the crossing and wait until they have all reached the footpath.

Reading pedestrian behaviour

Watch people's heads and feet near the kerb. Someone looking at their phone, a child chasing a ball, or a person stepping out from between parked cars can all appear in your path suddenly. Slow down near shops, schools, bus stops and hospitals.

Older people and people using mobility aids may take longer to cross. Be patient and never hurry them with the horn or by creeping forward.

Turning safely

1. Signal early and slow down before the corner.
2. Look into the road you are turning into for people crossing.
3. Stop and wait if someone is crossing or about to step out.
4. Turn only when the crossing path is clear.

Common mistakes

• Approaching a zebra crossing too fast to stop if someone steps out.
• Turning across pedestrians who are already crossing the side street.
• Moving off at a children's crossing before every child has reached the footpath.
• Overtaking a car that has stopped for a crossing.

Test yourself: Pedestrians and crossings

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Pedestrian, School and Wombat Crossings in Australia