The question of how to properly pass a car is often a subject of debate between new and experienced drivers. Many still remember the old training standards, which were radically different from the modern realities of road traffic. However, today the priority is not formal adherence to outdated schemes, but personal safety and preservation of life.
The situation on the roads has changed: the speed of traffic has increased, and the number of cars has increased many times over. In such conditions, blindly following the rule of “go around in front” or “go around behind” without taking into account the context can be fatal. It is important to understand that Traffic rules (Traffic Regulations) primarily regulate the movement of vehicles, and pedestrians must use common sense and the principle of visibility.
In this article, we will look at why the old norms have lost their relevance, how to behave when disembarking from public transport, and what to do if your car stalls on the roadway. The main principle of a modern pedestrian is to be visible to drivers and to see approaching traffic. Ignoring this fact often leads to tragic consequences that could have been avoided.
Evolution of the rules: from the training ground to the real track
In Soviet times and in the early editions of the traffic rules, there was a clear division: the bus was passed from behind, and the tram - from the front. The logic here was simple: tram tracks were often located in the middle of the road, and going around in front would bring the pedestrian onto the sidewalk, bypassing the oncoming lane. However, with the growth of automobile traffic, this scheme has become a source of increased danger.
Modern regulations shift the focus from rigid schemes to assessing the road situation. If previously they were taught to walk around a vehicle in a strictly defined way, now inspectors and instructors recommend assessing visibility. The car may be hiding an approaching motorcycle or a cyclist flying at high speed.
Accident statistics show that collisions with pedestrians leaving a stationary vehicle occur regularly. Drivers often do not see people suddenly appearing due to a large obstacle. Therefore predictability the pedestrian's actions and his attention to the surroundings are more important than the side of the walk.
⚠️ Attention: Never run out from behind a parked car onto the roadway without making sure that there is no approaching traffic. The dimensions of the car create a “blind spot” that the driver of a moving car cannot physically see.
Rules for boarding and disembarking from public transport
The situation with public transport requires a special approach, since there is a large flow of people involved. When getting off a bus, trolleybus or tram, the primary task is to get out of the risk zone. Waiting for a vehicle to leave at a stop is the safest option, but not always possible.
If you need to cross the road and the vehicle has already left or is stopped, evaluate traffic intensity. In heavy traffic, it is better to wait until the vehicle moves away with a clear view. If this is not possible, go out onto the roadway only after you are sure that the drivers of other cars have noticed you and reduced their speed.
Particular attention should be paid to trams. Unlike buses, tram tracks often cross the road. Walking around the front of a tram was historically considered correct, but today this rule only works if there is landing site in the middle of the road. If the stop is on the side of the road, you should go around the tram in the same way as any other car - with maximum caution.
- 🚌 Always wait for the transport to come to a complete stop before approaching the doors so as not to fall and be run over.
- 👀 Before going out on the road, remove the hood and put away your phone to improve your visibility and hearing.
- 🚦 Cross the road only at a pedestrian crossing, even if you need to walk an extra 50 meters to get there.
☑️ Safe disembarkation from the bus
Personal car: what to do when stopped on the road
If you are a driver and your car is stopped on the roadway due to a breakdown or accident, your actions should be aimed at preventing a collision. The first thing to do is enable alarm and put up a warning triangle. According to traffic rules, in a populated area the sign is placed at a distance of 15 meters, and outside the city - 30 meters.
When getting out of a car on the highway, there is a real risk of being hit. The driver and passengers must exit through the door, not facing the flow of traffic. That is, if you are standing on the right side of the road, exit through the right door. You should only walk around your car if it is necessary to install a sign, and you should do this on the side of the road, facing moving traffic.
Many drivers make the mistake of starting repairs or waiting for a tow truck while inside or standing right next to the bumper. This is categorically untrue. People outside the vehicle are only allowed protective fence, if available, or at a safe distance from the road. On the highway, it is better to leave the road area altogether and wait for help behind the bump stop.
| Situation | Driver action | Passenger action |
|---|---|---|
| Breakdown in the city | Turn on the emergency lights, put up a sign | Step out onto the sidewalk |
| Breakdown on the highway | Stand behind the bump stop and call for help | Go beyond the road fence |
| Road accident with victims | Provide assistance, do not move the car | Be in a safe zone |
| Night stop | Turn on the dimensions and hazard lights | Use reflectors |
Driver psychology and blind spots
Understanding how a driver thinks helps a pedestrian survive. The driver of a moving car focuses his eyes on the road ahead and the traffic lights. Lateral peripheral vision is limited, especially in bad weather. When a pedestrian suddenly appears from behind a parked van, the driver has a split second to react, which is often not enough to brake.
In addition, there is an effect adaptation. If there is a row of cars on the road, the driver may get used to their static nature and not expect that a person will step out from behind one of them. That is why exiting from behind an obstacle should be as smooth and predictable as possible, or better yet, eliminated altogether until a full overview appears.
Modern cars are equipped with blind spot monitoring systems, but pedestrians cannot rely on them. Technology can fail and the driver can become distracted. Eye contact with a driver is the only reliable way to make sure that you are noticed, but even this does not provide a 100% guarantee of safety.
⚠️ Attention: Don't rely on the driver to see you. Even if you look into the driver's eyes through the windshield, he may be looking through you, focusing on another object. Make sure the car is slowing down or stopped.
Parking hazards and yard areas
Parking lots and courtyards are areas of high concentration of risks, where traffic speed is low, but the number of maneuvers is high. Here pedestrians often feel unsafe and lose their guard. However, it is in courtyards that most often there are collisions with children who run out from behind parked cars, playing catch or hiding.
When moving through a parking lot, a pedestrian should adhere to the rule: a car is a potential threat that can start moving at any moment. Drivers in parking lots often look in their rearview mirrors or at their phones when choosing a space, and do not watch for pedestrians walking between the rows.
You should walk around parked cars at arm's length so that if the door opens, you do not end up pressed against the body or get hit by the door. This also gives a small margin of time if the car suddenly decides to move without turning on the turn signal. Constant scanning gaze on the sides - the best protection in such conditions.
- 🚗 When getting out of your car in a parking lot, always open the door carefully, after looking out the side window.
- 👣 Do not walk between the rows of parked cars like a snake; it is better to walk along a safe passage.
- 🔦 In the dark, use your phone flashlight so that drivers notice the beam of light and your position.
Frequent mistakes and misconceptions of pedestrians
One of the most common mistakes is the belief that the driver must always see the pedestrian. Traffic regulations do oblige drivers to give way, but the physics of the braking process is often stronger than legal norms. A pedestrian who runs out onto the road with the expectation of “maybe” makes a fatal mistake.
Another misconception concerns the use of headphones. Many pedestrians are completely disconnected from the sound environment, not hearing the approach of a car, especially electric vehicles, which move almost silently. Auditory control of the situation is just as important as visual control.
It is also dangerous to rely on a green traffic light without looking carefully. Drivers can overshoot a “flashing” yellow or even red signal, especially at night. Before you take your first step at a zebra crossing, you need to make sure that all cars have stopped, even if the light is green for pedestrians.
Final recommendations for road safety
Road safety is a joint effort between the driver and the pedestrian, but the pedestrian, being physically unprotected, risks a lot - their health and life. Therefore, the rule “he who lives is right” works here flawlessly. You should not enter into conflict with a multi-ton machine, proving that you are right.
Always plan your route to minimize jaywalking. If you see that your view is blocked, it is better to lose a minute of time avoiding the obstacle than to get injured. Predictability your actions are key to ensuring drivers have time to react.
Remember: not a single rule, not a single bypass scheme works if you are not careful. A phone in hand, loud music and haste are the main enemies of a pedestrian. Be adults, responsible road users, and the road will reciprocate your feelings.
⚠️ Attention: In winter, car braking time increases 3-4 times due to ice and snow. At this time of year, you should exercise maximum caution and avoid making sudden movements on the road, even at a pedestrian crossing.
☑️ Reminder for a safe pedestrian
Is it necessary to pass the bus in front or behind according to modern traffic rules?
Modern traffic rules do not give strict instructions about “front” or “behind”. The main requirement is safety. If walking around in front obscures your view of the oncoming lane, it is better to walk around behind or wait for the bus to leave. The priority is to make sure there are no cars.
What should you do if your car stalls in the middle of the road?
The hazard warning lights must be turned on immediately. If the car does not start and interferes with traffic, try to roll it away (if the terrain and strength allow) or set up a warning triangle. Passengers should go to the side of the road, off the road.
Is it possible to cross the road between standing cars?
Strongly not recommended. Stationary cars create blind spots for moving traffic. The driver does not see the pedestrian until it is too late. It is better to walk to the nearest pedestrian crossing or traffic light.
How to keep children safe when getting out of the car?
Children under 12 years of age should not be left alone in a parking lot or near the road. A child should get out of the car only from the sidewalk, holding the hand of an adult. An adult must control the situation while being between the child and the roadway.