Pedestrian Power: The Frustrating Trend of Ignoring Vehicles at Zebra Crossings in Rwanda

TOP AFRICA NEWS Report

It is 8:00 am, and vehicles are rushing in different parts of the city, along with pedestrians. We stop to give right of way to pedestrians to cross first. After a few minutes, it is the turn for vehicles to cross. However, one passenger, without regard for the rights of vehicles, immediately crosses the road. The driver brakes abruptly, causing the vehicle behind us to collide with the back of our car. The issue lies with the pedestrian who fails to obey the Zebra crossing rules.

AND NOW, here is “Pedestrian Power: The Frustrating Trend of Ignoring Vehicles at Zebra Crossings in Rwanda”,

In recent years, Rwanda has made significant strides in promoting road safety education and enforcing traffic rules. However, one concerning trend has emerged that is causing frustration among drivers – pedestrians no longer seem to care about crossing vehicles, particularly at Zebra Crossings, even after the authorization of vehicles to pass.

Zebra Crossings, marked with bold black and white stripes, are designated areas where pedestrians have the right of way. They are meant to ensure the safe passage of pedestrians, allowing them to cross busy roads without fear of being hit by vehicles. However, despite efforts by the National Police to educate the public about the importance of following traffic rules, many pedestrians in Rwanda have become increasingly negligent leading to the violation of Zebra Crossing rules.

The issue of pedestrians ignoring the rules at Zebra Crossings is not only dangerous but also contributes to traffic congestion and delays. Drivers are often forced to come to a sudden halt, disrupting the flow of traffic and causing frustration among motorists. This lack of regard for traffic rules not only puts pedestrians at risk but also compromises the safety and efficiency of the entire road network.

Whether there are traffic lights or not, pedestrians are advised to always abide with crossing rules that are not only viewed in those white and black signals.

Again, It is essential to understand the underlying factors contributing to this behavior.

One possible reason for the disregard of Zebra Crossings rules is the lack of awareness and education among pedestrians. While the National Police has been actively promoting road safety education, there is still a need to reinforce the importance of following traffic rules, especially at Zebra Crossings.

One Masafi Mashaba wrote to Rwanda Police calling for Penalities for road users who misuse it.

Masafi wrote “Hello @Rwandapolice, I would like to ask if there are penalties for pedestrians, who use the road wrongly? And I would like to ask you to impose penalties for pedestrians crossing the zebra crossing with headphones in their ears. Thank you.”

Additionally, the increase in vehicle ownership in Rwanda may have inadvertently contributed to this problem. As more people have access to cars and motorcycles, there is a growing sense of entitlement among drivers who expect pedestrians to yield to them. This mindset, coupled with a lack of enforcement, has empowered pedestrians to ignore the rules without consequences.

To address this issue, a multi-faceted approach is needed. Firstly, the National Police should continue their efforts to educate the public about road safety, with a particular emphasis on the importance of Zebra Crossings. This can be done through awareness campaigns, school programs, and community engagement initiatives.

Furthermore, stricter enforcement of traffic rules is crucial. The National Police must ensure that those who disregard the rules at Zebra Crossings face appropriate penalties. This will not only deter pedestrians from flouting the rules but also send a clear message that road safety is a top priority in Rwanda.

Lastly, enhancing infrastructure and creating pedestrian-friendly environments can also play a significant role in encouraging pedestrians to follow the rules. Improving the visibility and accessibility of Zebra Crossings, along with installing pedestrian traffic lights where necessary, will make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross the road.

In conclusion, the increasing disregard for giving priority to vehicles at Zebra Crossings in Rwanda is a concerning issue that needs immediate attention. By focusing on education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements, we can work towards creating a safer and more harmonious road environment for all road users. Let us prioritize road safety and ensure that pedestrians and drivers alike understand and respect the rules of the road.