PEDESTRIAN CROSSING DANGERS: The Highway Code rules 31 to 35 require extra consideration. They will help to reduce the chances of you getting hit by a car while walking.
Emergency Vehicles
Rule 31: There are special rules for pedestrians around emergency vehicles. You should keep off the road if an emergency vehicle using flashing blue lights approaches.
Emergency vehicles also flash their headlights and use loud sirens. They include cars, bikes, and trucks such as police cars, fire engines, and ambulances.
Danger around Buses
Rule 32: Bus passengers should get on and exit buses only when it has completely stopped moving. This means the bus drivers has stopped the vehicle for you to do so.
Beware of cyclists when boarding and alighting a bus. Avoid crossing ahead of, or behind, stationary buses. It is better to cross after the bus has moved away and the road has become clear.
Tramway Dangers
Rule 33: Trams and tramways sometimes run through a pedestrianised area. But, tram crossings and pedestrian crossings have some distinct differences. As a rule, you will see shallow curbstones and white lines or yellow dots at a tram crossing.
Treat trams with the same diligence and caution as for all road vehicles. Trams travel ‘quietly’ and cannot steer to avoid hitting you. Use extra care near trams and tramways and avoid walking along tramlines.
Railway Level Crossings
Rule 34: We refer to the current Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD). At a railway crossing you MUST NOTcross or pass a stop line when the red lights show. The same rule also applies to a red pedestrian figure.
Do not enter a railway crossing if the alarm sounds or the safety barriers are being lowered. The alarm usually changes tone when there is another train approaching.
Cross with care looking both ways when there are no warning lights, audible alarms. Make sure the barriers are not restricting your path. A tactile surface may be present at the footway. This is to warn people who are visually impaired about the railway crossing.
Street and Pavement Repairs
Rule 35: Street and pavement repairs may temporarily force you into the road or cross in a dangerous area. All pedestrians should take extra care in these dangerous situations.