I have observed that whenever people go onto the roads they are too relaxed, carefree and in most cases have no sense of purpose and destination. It could be a pedestrian walking along or crossing the road or a cyclist weaving dangerously through traffic or a driver who stops a car suddenly without notice or warning or hurriedly changes lanes without negotiation or indicating.
This, in my opinion, is negligent road use behaviour that deserves criticism. A lot of minor collisions could be a result of such lax behaviour our roads.
We all know that we have every reason to be proud of ourselves and walk in all sorts of fashionable styles.
However, when a person is either walking along or crossing the road their concentration levels should be very high.
I have seen some negligent pedestrians walking along the road in a lane meant for vehicles.
In some high density residential suburbs like Epworth, it is common for the roads to be congested with pedestrians between 5pm and 8pm leaving no space for vehicles.
The situation is made worse by traders who spread their wares on the sides of the road and most pedestrians who buy from them normally do so while standing on the roads.
Chesvingo Street in Masvingo is another street where pedestrians congest the road making it difficult for vehicles to move.
Pedestrians are always vulnerable road users and hence need to exercise extra care and thus use the road in a purposeful and safe manner at all times. Walking along the road should be taken done in a businesslike manner; there is no room to fool around.
Where there is no pavement for pedestrians, there is always the shoulder of the road that allows the pedestrian to walk along without interfering with vehicles.
Some pedestrians are so stubborn that they walk anyhow (jaywalk) on the road thinking that drivers will always be looking out for them and would make way for them.
This is, however, a dangerous assumption as most pedestrians have been knocked down and injured or killed.
I have observed pedestrians crossing the zebra crossing along Jason Moyo Avenue adjacent to the Colcom shop, most just cross because they have the right of way.
They assume that drivers will stop for them. While some drivers do stop, a good number do not.
Then there is a problem of pedestrians, who when given the right of way, cross in a clumsy leisurely fashion, as if they have all the time in the world.
This normally rubs most drivers the wrong way. Let us use the road in a business — like manner — in this case, the pedestrians must walk across briskly to allow for vehicles to flow. When you approach zebra crossings it is always advisable to wait on the edge of the pedestrian crossing until you are a sizeable group.
This, definitely, will attract the attention of a properly trained and humane driver to stop for you to cross.
The law says that when approaching a pedestrian crossing the driver must slow down, check if there are pedestrians intending to cross and stop if there are.
Surely, given the traffic congestion we are experiencing on our roads, cars cannot stop for each and every pedestrian.
It is also critical for pedestrians to know that they can be hit by vehicles even at a pedestrian crossing.
Remember the incident near the National Sports Stadium where a woman and her two children died after they were knocked down by a car at a pedestrian crossing while they were on their way home from the 2013 Independence celebrations that were held at the giant stadium.
Two female students were also knocked down at the Rotten Row/Samora Machel traffic lights controlled intersection last year.
The traffic lights were in their favour but somehow the driver of the car that hit them failed to stop.
The lesson for pedestrians is that even if you are crossing at a designated crossing point, remain vigilant and check out for errant drivers.
The law also dictates that when turning right or left at a traffic lights controlled intersection, drivers must give way to pedestrians proceeding straight across the intersection.
But most of our drivers either do not know this or deliberately choose not to. Some even go to the extent of hooting and shouting abusive words at pedestrians who they are supposed to give way.
In order to be safe, the onus is on the pedestrians to be alert always. Women who wear high heels have challenges when crossing the road.
They tend to walk sluggishly as if they are modelling. I am sure ladies worthy their fit know which type of shoe to wear and for what terrain. They also know that there are better places for modelling than at pedestrian crossings!
In my next article, I will focus on how related negligent behaviours by drivers and cyclists may pose a road traffic safety risk.
The writer, Tatenda Chinoda is a Traffic Safety Officer — Marketing and seasoned defensive driving instructor who can be contacted on email: chinodat@trafficsafety.co.zw / teechinoda@yahoo.com; cell: 0772 966 075 or phone 04-751203.