Accidents drop at zebra crossings

Since it became law for drivers to stop for people "obviously waiting" at pedestrian crossings, accidents near them have slowed.

Previous to 2009, drivers only had to give way to pedestrians already on a zebra crossing.

In 2008 alone, there were six crashes in Masterton involving pedestrians and cars at zebra crossings, including two serious ones, according to NZ Transport Authority (NZTA).

Since 2009, when the law was amended to make drivers stop for pedestrians waiting, there has been an average of one accident a year. These accidents were minor.

Drivers in Masterton appear to have got the message but in one hour last week, seven drivers were observed driving through a pedestrian crossing where a person was obviously waiting. However, nine drivers did stop for pedestrians.

Nationally, 63 per cent of pedestrians are hit while on the near side of the road, rather than after they have crossed the centre line.

Out of all reported accidents involving pedestrians, one in 10 occur at or near a zebra crossing.

The NZ Road code says drivers should slow down near pedestrian crossings and be ready to stop.

"If drivers fail to give way to pedestrians at a pedestrian crossing, they are breaking the law," said Kate Styles, NZTA regional manager access and use. "It's important that pedestrians make themselves clearly visible to approaching traffic, and that they don't begin to cross until they are confident the approaching vehicle is stopping."