If you are planning on visiting any of the Middle East countries, be cautious at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings. Although I’m currently in Qatar, I’ve previously lived in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
It isn’t common for traffic to stop for pedestrians at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, something you may not be used to at your home countries. At my home country of New Zealand, it is common for traffic to stop at pedestrian crossings, and in Europe where I have lived and spent a lot of time.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, I’ve seen pedestrians run over by traffic at crossings and they have been left there and the driver of car has left the scene.
The reason for my post is because I witnessed some people nearly get run over in Doha. It was very close and I asked the people if they were okay. The people were visiting from France and didn’t realise that the traffic don’t stop for pedestrians.
What is the rules in your country in regards to traffic stopping for pedestrians?
The photo is pedestrian crossing close to two large international hotels where people walk to get on the subway.
@TheEagleEye Thank you for sharing your experience with us. In Thailand, same thing as in Middle East countries. Look carefully before crossing the street.
Hi @TheEagleEye , interesting question. Normally in my city, Buenos Aires, people are in a rush so you do have to look carefully before crossing as drivers usually don’t stop although they should. In other cities of the country or small towns you don’t have to be so careful, but you can’t just cross without looking either.
Despite that, some people still cross outside of pedestrian crosings without looking…
Thanks for your reply @OlgaKlimchik . Yes information is valuable for people that maybe used to traffic stopping at the crossings. My message just isn’t as mouth watering as a list of tasty meals.
Thanks for reply @Jesi . It is a shame that the main reason for a pedestrian crossing was to have a safe place for people to cross a road. It appears that in many countries the rule is disappearing so what it the use of marked pedestrian crossings. Take care in Buenos Aires.
The same situation In my country also, either driver or pedestrian doesn’t care about it, everyone in a rush always. But now a days the situation getting improve for the stick driving low imposed by the Government and people also getting carefully to avoid an unwanted occurance @TheEagleEye
Cape Town , South Africa is unique as its one of the few places in the whole of South Africa that cars will stop to allow pedestrians to walk , but only at Zebra crossings and if there are go / green man traffic lights , you need to obey the signal.
But never stand on the curb at crossings unless you plan to cross.
@Mongoose The same situation is in Belarus. If a pedestrian puts his foot on the road at a pedestrian crossing, the car must give way. And this rule usually works. Belarussians respect the rules in all areas.
Very interesting topic @TheEagleEye , cause this is very different depending on where you are.
In Denmark where I’m from, cars will stop if there is a marked pedestrian crossing, but if you try to cross a normal road on foot, don’t expect people to let you. Luckily most people are sensible enough to not try anyway.
In Bulgaria where I live now however, it is a whole other story. Most cars will stop for pedestrians here no matter if there’s a marked crossing or not. It’s one of the things that really surprised me.
I’ve visited Egypt a couple of times where it’s all about walking without stopping. At first I was nervous about crossing the roads but the locals advised me to just walk and don’t stop for anything. As long as you keep on walking the cars will drive around you, and it worked!
Thanks for reply @MortenSI . It pays to be cautious at all times especially when travelling when you may be used to how things are in your home country. The French people I met when they were nearly run down were quite shaken but understood rules are different everywhere.
In Italy there are many pedestrian crossings, but these are neither respected by drivers nor by pedestrians themselves!
And, when you happen to stop in front of the strips to cross, apart from that no one stops, it is always a risk in any case.
Fortunately, there are school programs that have included road education for boys 9/10 year olds: there are urban policemen who voluntarily stop at school and teach children the understanding of road signs, the use of bicycles on the street and how you behave when you have to cross the road.
A review of these rules even for adults would not be a bad idea!
In Belgium and Germany, on the other hand, I observed that pedestrians are always given priority: at the beginning it took me a little getting used to this privilege!
Thanks for your message @davidhyno . I know what you mean about crossings in Italy neither being respected by drivers nor by pedestrians, as when I have been to italy, there seems to be a lot of “J-walking”), crossing road and not using the proper crossings. It is good it is taught at school though o try and keep the children safe.
In New Zealand and Czech Republic, drivers in most cases will stop if someone is standing at crossing waiting to cross.
