Safe Pedestrian Crossings: Zebra Lines & Road Safety Tips
A recent social media post from Kerala’s Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has underscored the dangers of pedestrians attempting to signal vehicles to stop while crossing roads, advocating instead for the use of designated zebra crossings. The MVD’s message, published December 4, 2023, emphasizes the importance of teaching children road safety from a young age, including memorizing a parent’s phone number in case of separation.
The department’s advisory comes amid growing concerns over child safety and reported incidents of missing children and potential abductions. The MVD specifically cautions against relying on simply raising a hand to halt traffic, stating that while seemingly commonplace, We see not a consistently safe practice.
According to the MVD, the safest method for pedestrians to cross roads is to utilize clearly marked zebra crossings. These designated areas require drivers to yield to pedestrians, ensuring a safer passage. However, the department acknowledges that zebra crossings are not universally available. In their absence, pedestrians are urged to exercise increased caution, waiting for vehicles to come to a complete stop before attempting to cross.
The MVD’s guidance stresses the importance of making oneself visible to drivers, rather than simply attempting to signal them to stop. Pedestrians should stand in a clear location and only cross once vehicles have demonstrably halted. This advice aligns with broader efforts to improve road safety in Kerala, where concerns about the condition of roads have been raised. In October 2024, the Kerala High Court criticized the poor state of roads in the state, stating that “every life is valuable and should not be lost on the road.”
Recent incidents have also highlighted tensions between public officials and citizens regarding road safety. In May 2024, a Facebook post by the Kerala Police regarding safe overtaking practices drew criticism after it was mocked in relation to an incident involving the car carrying Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran and her husband, Sachin Dev MLA, which allegedly obstructed a KSRTC bus. This incident prompted users to revisit and comment on the police’s earlier road safety messaging.
The Kerala MVD’s latest advisory reflects a wider focus on pedestrian safety and responsible road usage. The department’s message serves as a reminder to both pedestrians and drivers to prioritize caution and adhere to established safety protocols when navigating roadways.