10.1 Pedestrians, Children and Processions
Key Takeaways
Pedestrians must obey a uniformed police officer regulating traffic and must not obstruct a road or footpath (reg. 150).
Where there is no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
After getting off a bus, wait until it has moved off before crossing, so that you can see and be seen.
Drivers should expect children near ice cream vans, schools and parked vehicles, and pedestrians stepping out between parked cars.
Organised marches and processions keep to the left; give them room and pass slowly only when it is safe.
Many Barbados roads, especially in the country parishes, have no sidewalk, so pedestrians walk in the road. Drivers must expect people on foot everywhere, and the regulation test checks that you know how pedestrians are expected to behave.
What the law says about pedestrians
- A pedestrian who fails to comply with the directions of a uniformed police officer regulating traffic commits an offence (reg. 150(1)).
- A pedestrian shall not obstruct any road or footpath (reg. 150(2)).
- At a pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian already on the crossing has precedence over vehicles, but must not stay on it longer than necessary (reg. 115).
- At signal-controlled crossings, pedestrians should not start to cross on the flashing green figure (reg. 113).
Highway Code-style guidance used in test papers
The Barbados regulation-test papers include questions for pedestrians. Their answers follow standard Highway Code safety practice:
| Question | Answer and reason |
|---|---|
| Where there is no sidewalk, which side should pedestrians walk on? | The right-hand side, facing oncoming traffic, so they can see vehicles coming and step aside |
| A vehicle is parked where you want to cross. Where should you stand? | At the outside edge of the parked vehicle, where you can see and be seen, before crossing |
| There is no crossing or island at night. Where else can you cross safely? | In a lighted area, where drivers can see you |
| You got off a bus and want to cross. When? | After the bus moves off, so the bus does not hide you or the traffic |
| An organised march is on the road. Which side? | The left, the same as traffic, with lookouts at the front and back |
Pedestrians walking at night should wear something light or reflective, and should walk in single file on narrow roads.
What drivers should anticipate
Barbados test papers ask drivers to "read" the street for clues:
- An ice cream van or a vendor's stall by the road: children may run across to it without looking.
- A line of parked cars in a residential street: people may step out between them. Barbados test papers also link parked cars with a pedestrian crossing that may be hidden ahead.
- A bus at a stop: passengers may cross in front of or behind it. When a bus signals to pull away, give way if it is safe, and look out for pedestrians around it.
- Schools, churches and shops: heavy pedestrian flows at opening and closing times.
- Older people may walk slowly and have limited hearing or vision. People with disabilities may need more time, and a person carrying a white stick may be blind.
How to drive near pedestrians
- Slow down where pedestrians are likely, and more so at night and in rain.
- Give plenty of room when passing people walking in the road. Move out only when the opposite lane is clear, and do not sound the horn aggressively.
- Turning into a side road, look for pedestrians crossing its mouth and wait for them.
- Do not stop within 10 metres of a pedestrian crossing, corner or bus stop (reg. 31(9)(a)), where a parked car would hide pedestrians.
- Opening doors: check for pedestrians and cyclists before opening a door into their path (reg. 37).
- Reversing: check behind for small children, who are hard to see from the driver's seat.
Rural roads at night
On unlit country roads, pedestrians in dark clothing may be invisible until they are in your headlights. Drive at a speed at which you can stop within the distance your lights show to be clear. Dip your lights for people walking towards you, as you would for vehicles, so that you do not dazzle them into stepping the wrong way. Pass with extra room, and slow right down near rum shops, bus stops and church gates, where people gather at the roadside after dark.
Processions and marches
Barbados has many street events and processions. When the Commissioner of Police closes parking places or roads for a procession (reg. 93), follow the signs and officers' directions. When passing a march or procession on the road, slow right down, give them plenty of room and pass only when it is safe and any marshals or officers allow it.
Exam traps
- Pedestrians and the horn. Use the horn only to warn of your approach (reg. 31(16)). Never use it to hurry people across.
- "Pedestrians must give way to cars." At an uncontrolled crossing, a pedestrian already on the crossing has precedence (reg. 115(3)). Elsewhere, drivers must still avoid hitting a pedestrian, and careless driving is an offence.
Where there is no sidewalk, which side of the road should pedestrians walk on?
The right-hand side, facing oncoming traffic
The centre of the road, where drivers can see them
Either side, depending on the volume of traffic
The left-hand side, with their backs to traffic
You have just got off a bus and want to cross the road. When should you cross?
Immediately, behind the bus
After the bus has moved off
Immediately, in front of the bus
While the bus driver is still collecting fares
You are driving through a residential area and see an ice cream van parked at the roadside. What should you expect?
A pedestrian crossing hidden behind the van
Children running to or from the van without looking
The van pulling out without signalling
A police check point just ahead
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.