Impatient pedestrians who fail to use designated crossings are putting their lives at risk, Tayside Police have warned.
Sergeant Paul Taylor, from the force’s road policing unit, issued the stark reminder after The Courier received reports of a “very lucky escape” in the centre of Perth.
Shocked witnesses described how a man in his fifties went to run across South Methven Street, near its junction with County Place, during the lunchtime rush when he tripped and fell into the path of an oncoming car.
Luckily, having just turned a corner, the driver was going slowly and was able to stamp on the brakes but even so the man ended up underneath the vehicle.
Passers-by helped him to his feet and apart from a few minor cuts and bruises, he escaped injury but, as the experienced officer explains, it could have been a different story.
Large buses which have a much greater stopping distance pass through the area every couple of minutes.
Sergeant Taylor told The Courier, “Tayside Police attends many injury accidents throughout the year involving pedestrians and the vast majority occur within built-up areas in towns and villages.Common sense”Our research shows that most of these accidents could be avoided if pedestrians showed greater common sense when crossing the road.
“It is frustrating to find that many such accidents occur within a short distance of a pedestrian controlled crossing and, unfortunately, some of these accidents result in serious or fatal injuries.”
Roads and pavements can be busier during the summer holidays and Sergeant Taylor said it was vital for people of all ages to brush up on the Green Cross Code.
He continued, “People should only ever cross the road when they are certain it is safe to do so. It is not worth taking the risk.
“Pedestrian crossings are created in areas where evidence indicated they were necessary, so if possible people should wait the extra 30 seconds and use one.
“If not at a pedestrian crossing, always look for a safe and unobstructed part of the road, not between parked cars, buses or lorries. Be aware of traffic on the road and remember you don’t have the right of way unless you are on a crossing.
“Try not to predict the vehicles’ movement on a road often they will be in the wrong lane, liable to change course, stop suddenly or reverse into a space.Highway CodeThe Highway Code provides simple advise, which although obvious is often ignored look both ways, listen, look again and cross.”
He added that parents should hold a young child’s hand when crossing and asked that members of the public offer assistance to vulnerable adults.
Sergeant Taylor also urged drivers to exercise caution in built-up areas. explaining that 30mph was not always a safe speed.
He said, “Motorists should reduce their speed within the centres of towns and villages depending on the road conditions and pedestrian traffic.
“The injury to a pedestrian when struck by a vehicle at 30mph can be very serious or even fatal, whereby injuries are much reduced if struck by a vehicle going 20mph.
“Drivers should also look out for unattended children, elderly people who may require extra time to cross and anyone under the influence of drink or drugs.”
A young woman who witnessed the incident on South Methven Street said, “The man looked like he was in a rush. He glanced both ways before running out into the road but unfortunately it was right on a blind corner.
“He tripped just as a car came round and ended up right underneath the vehicle. Everyone gasped and ran over to help him, we thought he would be badly injured. It was a really lucky escape but will certainly make me think twice before crossing.”