Pedestrians claim drivers break red lights

Motoring solutions specialist, easytrip, has revealed that 72% of pedestrians claim that motorists are breaking the red light on a regular basis at pedestrian crossings, showing little regard for their safety.

Of the motorists surveyed, in the easytrip road user’s survey, 32% revealed that they have witnessed regular incidents between pedestrians and other drivers. 42% stating that a pedestrian had walked out in front of a moving car, 26% of motorists witnessed other motorists breaking the red light at pedestrian crossings and 29% also disclosed that they had spotted pedestrians using a mobile phone crossing the road without looking for oncoming traffic.

Mobile phone use

85% of the pedestrians surveyed in the easytrip research said they were guilty of regularly continuing to use their mobile phone, be it for a call, texting or browsing the internet, whilst crossing the road.

Jay walking

When asked if jay walking (crossing the road without regard for approaching traffic or not at a designated pedestrian crossings) should be enforced by Garda, over 57% of pedestrians said no and believed it was not necessary, however 42% thought that perhaps it should be enforced. When motorists were asked the same question, 41% said they believed it should be enforced to protect road users.

Reflective clothing

Over 80% of urban pedestrians claimed to not wear reflective clothing when walking in the evening or night time, this was compared to 96% in rural areas who wore it only on occasion.

From the pedestrians surveyed, 43% walked as a commuting method, while 57% did it for leisure or for exercise and 59% claimed to have a reasonable understanding of the rules of the road.

“Our second road user’s survey has brought up some alarming findings and in particular of those select number of pedestrians who cross the road with little regard for oncoming traffic.” comments Colin Delaney, General Manager of easytrip. “On the other side it’s very unfortunate to see that motorists are breaking the red light at pedestrian crossings – a place that is perceived to be a safe crossing point.”

“It is crucial that both motorists and pedestrians respect the safety and rights of each other on the road. It’s also important that pedestrians consider wearing reflective gear on poorly lit roads at night time, particularly in rural areas where there may not be adequate footpaths, so that drivers are aware of their presence”, says Colin.