Avoiding stopped vehicles is one of the most dangerous situations on the road, where pedestrians risk their lives every day. According to traffic police statistics, every fifth collision with a pedestrian occurs precisely when walking around buses, trolleybuses or parked cars. Moreover, most accidents occur not because of driver violations, but because ignorance or ignorance basic traffic rules.
In this article we will analyze the only correct algorithm for bypassing transport from the point of view of the 2026 traffic rules, traffic physics and driver psychology. You will learn why passing a bus in front is deadly dangerous, how a driver behaves in a blind spot, and what hidden threats Even empty parking lots are hidden. The material will be useful for both pedestrians and drivers - to understand each other’s logic and avoid tragedies.
Why bypassing traffic is so dangerous: physics and psychology
The main problem lies in blind spots - areas that the driver cannot see either in the mirrors or through the windshield. For example, a standard passenger car has a front blind spot of up to 3 meters, and at the bus - up to 10 meters. This means that if you walk around the front of the bus, the driver physically cannot see you, even if he looks in the mirrors.
Second trap - surprise effect. Drivers are accustomed to pedestrians crossing the road at crossings and do not expect them to appear due to stopped vehicles. A person’s reaction to an unusual situation takes 0.7–1.5 seconds - during this time the car will travel at a speed of 60 km/h 12–25 meters. Enough for an accident to happen.
Third factor - maneuvers of other road users. A stationary bus can block the view not only of you, but also of drivers in adjacent lanes. For example, a motorcyclist or cyclist may be driving around a traffic jam in the oncoming lane and not notice a pedestrian. Or the driver in the next row will decide to change lanes without seeing you behind the bus.
⚠️ Attention: According to WHO, 40% of fatal accidents involve pedestrians occurs in conditions of limited visibility - when one vehicle blocks another or a pedestrian. This is the most common cause of collisions in urban areas.
Traffic rules 2026: what the law says about bypassing vehicles
B Traffic rules of the Russian Federation (clause 4.5) is clearly stated:
“At unregulated pedestrian crossings, pedestrians can enter the roadway after assessing the distance to approaching vehicles, their speed and making sure that the crossing will be safe for them. When walking around a stationary vehicle, a pedestrian must make sure that there are no approaching vehicles.”
However, this point is often misinterpreted. Here are the key points:
- 🚦 You can ONLY go around the front of the tram - because it moves on rails and cannot suddenly change its trajectory. This is prohibited for all other types of transport.
- 🚌 A bus, trolleybus, or minibus is passed from the REAR - this is the only safe way, since the driver sees the pedestrian in the side mirror.
- 🚗 Parked cars are walked around at a distance of at least 1.5 meters - to avoid getting hit by a door or being hit by passing traffic.
- 🚶 If there is no sidewalk, walk INTO the direction of traffic. - so you see approaching cars and can react.
Important: even if you bypass the transport according to the rules, you still have to let approaching cars pass. A pedestrian does not have an advantage if he obstructs traffic.
If you see that the driver of a stationary vehicle has turned on the turn signal or started driving - don't bypass. Wait until he completes the maneuver. Often accidents occur due to the fact that pedestrians try to “slip” in front of a car that has just started to move.
Step-by-step instructions: how to avoid traffic without risk
The algorithm for safely bypassing vehicles consists of 5 mandatory steps. Missing just one could cost your life.
☑️ Safe bypass of transport
Let's look at each point in detail:
- Stop before going around
Do not go out onto the roadway right away. Stay at a distance 50–70 cm from the edge of the sidewalk and look around. This will give you time to assess the situation and avoid spontaneous decisions.
- Checking your blind spots
If you pass by a bus or truck, sit down or bend down to look under the vehicle. This way you will see the legs or wheels of approaching cars that are not visible in the mirrors.
- Eye contact with drivers
Before walking around, make eye contact with drivers of standing and passing vehicles. If the driver looks at you, he sees you. If he looks away, he didn’t notice you.
- Movement at an angle
Do not walk parallel to stopped traffic. Move diagonallyto get out of the potentially dangerous area as quickly as possible.
- Ready for emergency braking
Keep your hands free, don't look at your phone. Be prepared to instantly stop or jump back.
An example of a correct bus bypass:
1. Stand on the sidewalk, the bus is blocking your view.
2. When you squat, you see that a car is driving on the left.
3. Wait for the car to pass.
4. Walk around the back of the bus, keeping to the right.
5. Get out onto the crossing or sidewalk on the other side.
Typical pedestrian mistakes and their consequences
Even experienced pedestrians sometimes violate the rules of avoiding traffic. Here TOP-5 errorsthat lead to an accident:
| Error | Consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Walking around the front of the bus | The driver does not see the pedestrian in the mirrors. Risk of collision - 80%. | Always walk around from behind or wait for the vehicle to leave. |
| Stepping out from behind a car onto a pedestrian crossing | Drivers in adjacent lanes are not expecting a pedestrian. Risk - 65%. | First go to the edge of the sidewalk, then cross. |
| Walking around traffic with headphones | There are no car horns or engine sounds. Risk - 50%. | Take off your headphones or turn down the volume. |
| Moving alongside stationary vehicles | The door may open or the car may move. Risk - 40%. | Keep your distance 1.5–2 meters. |
| Bypassing traffic at red lights | Drivers at the intersection do not expect pedestrians. Risk - 90%. | Wait for the green signal, even if the vehicle is stopped. |
A combination of several errors is especially dangerous. For example, walking around the front of the bus with headphones on at a red light almost guaranteed to lead to an accident.
What to do if you are hit while passing traffic?
1. Immediately call an ambulance (103) and the police (102).
2. Record the scene of the accident in a photo/video (car numbers, position of bodies, braking marks).
3. Write down contact details of witnesses.
4. Do not admit guilt or sign any documents without a lawyer.
5. Contact the culprit’s insurance company for compensation for damage.
Features of bypassing different types of transport
Bypass rules depend on the type of vehicle. Let's look at the most common cases.
Buses, trolleybuses, minibuses
These types of transport have maximum blind spot - up to 10 meters in front and 3-4 meters on the sides. You need to bypass them:
- 🚌 Rear only - this is how the driver sees you in the right side mirror.
- 🛑 At a distance of at least 1 meter - to avoid getting run over by the wheels when starting to move.
- 👀 After eye contact — make sure the driver notices you.
Trams
The tram is the only type of transport that can be walked around from the front, but with reservations:
- 🚋 Only go around if you see that there is no oncoming tram.
- 🚦 At a controlled intersection, wait for the green signal.
- 🛑 Don’t go around if the tram is at a stop without a landing pad.
Trucks and trucks
Trucks have giant blind spots - up to 5 meters in front and 2-3 meters on the sides. When walking around:
- 🚛 Never pass in front - the driver will not see you.
- 👟 Move 2–3 meters away from the body - the driver may not notice you in the mirror.
- 🔊 Sound the horn (knock on the body) if the driver starts moving.
Parked cars
Even a stationary car is fraught with danger:
- 🚗 Keep a distance of 1.5 meters - the door may open.
- 🔄 Drive wide around the car — the driver can start moving in reverse.
- 👀 Look under the wheels - if they rotate, the car starts moving.
The most dangerous situation is when a pedestrian passes in front of the bus, and the driver of the adjacent lane decides to go around him. In this case, the pedestrian is simply not visible, and an accident is inevitable.
How drivers can avoid hitting pedestrians
Drivers are also responsible for the safety of pedestrians. Here 5 rulesthat will help avoid tragedy:
- 👁️ Dual mirror control before starting to move - especially in blind spots.
- 🚦 Speed no more than 20 km/h when passing stops and pedestrian crossings.
- 📢 Short-term signal before starting to move, if a pedestrian bypasses the vehicle.
- 🔄 Smooth start - so that the pedestrian has time to react.
- 🚶 Give way For pedestrians, even if they violate traffic rules, it is better to let them pass than to become the culprit of an accident.
Particular attention should be paid children and elderly people. Children may unexpectedly run out from behind traffic, and older people move slowly and may not have time to react to danger.
⚠️ Attention: According to statistics, 70% of collisions with pedestrians when avoiding vehicles occurs in the dark or in poor visibility conditions (rain, fog). Drivers should be especially careful in such conditions.
Bypassing vehicles in different conditions: city, highway, dark time
Rules for bypassing vehicles change depending on the situation. Let's look at the most common scenarios.
In the city
In urban environments, the main dangers are:
- 🏙️ Heavy traffic — the view is blocked by several cars in a row.
- 🚲 Cyclists and scooters — can move on the sidewalk or leave due to traffic.
- 🚧 Repair work — change the usual routes of movement.
Advice: the city is better do not bypass the transport, but wait until it leaves.
On the track
On country roads the dangers are different:
- 🚗 High speed machines - even 60 km/h can be deadly.
- 🌳 Limited visibility — turns, hills, forest plantations.
- 🛻 Trucks with trailers — they have huge blind spots.
Tip: on the highway You can bypass traffic only if you can see the road 500 meters ahead.
In the dark
At night or at dusk:
- 🌑 Wear reflective items — they increase visibility up to 150 meters.
- 🔦 Use a flashlight - so that drivers can see your movements.
- 🚗 Be aware of glare from headlights — the driver may not notice the pedestrian.
Tip: at night It’s better not to bypass traffic, but to wait or find an illuminated crossing.
In rain or snow
In bad weather:
- 🌧️ Increase your distance — the braking distance of cars increases by 2–3 times.
- 👟 Avoid puddles — there may be holes or open hatches underneath them.
- 🚗 Be prepared to skid - the car may unexpectedly change its trajectory.
Tip: in the rain pass vehicles only on the sidewalk or curb.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transport bypass
Is it possible to walk around the front of a bus if it is at a stop with a boarding area?
No, even in this case it is dangerous to go around in front. The landing pad does not protect from cars in adjacent lanes. Always walk around the back of the bus or wait until it pulls away.
What should I do if the driver starts driving while I'm passing the car?
Stop immediately and step back. If the driver doesn't see you, knock on the hood or shout. Don't try to "slip through" - this is a common cause of collisions.
How to get around a car if it is parked on the sidewalk?
In this case, go out onto the roadway only after making sure that there are no moving cars. Walk around from behind the car, staying as close to the sidewalk as possible.
Is it possible to bypass traffic on a bicycle or scooter?
No, cyclists and scooter users must dismount and drive the vehicle nearby. Passing vehicles on wheels is prohibited by traffic regulations.
Who is to blame for an accident if a pedestrian avoids traffic incorrectly?
According to the law, the pedestrian is to blame if he violated traffic rules (clause 4.5). However, the driver can be recognized as an accomplice if he did not take measures to prevent a collision (for example, he did not reduce his speed at a stop).