The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Drivers and pedestrians are unsure who gives way at stop signs. A simple rule change can end this dangerous confusion

  • Written by Geoffrey Browne, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Design, The University of Melbourne
Drivers and pedestrians are unsure who gives way at stop signs. A simple rule change can end this dangerous confusion

When a driver and a pedestrian approach a T-intersection, who has to give way?

In newly published research[1] we tested over 1,000 road users’ knowledge of the Australian road rules. We presented them with the two scenarios shown below.

When asked who should give way in these scenarios, many road users answered incorrectly. Browne & Flower 2023[2]

When asked who should give way, the green car or the pedestrian, in the first and second scenarios, 37% and 39% of road users respectively answered incorrectly.

So what do the Australian Road Rules[3] say? The answer may surprise you. The rules (specifically rule 353[4]) state:

(1) If a driver is turning from a road at an intersection –

(a) the driver is required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the road that the driver is entering […] and

(b) the driver is not required to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the road the driver is leaving.

An obvious source of people’s confusion is the inconsistency between parts (a) and (b) of rule 353. In effect, it gives pedestrians “right of way across only half an intersection”.

Part (b) is also quite counter-intuitive. After all, most people would expect that a stop or give way sign would mean drivers have to stop for pedestrians as well as cars.

Changing the rules to require drivers to give way to pedestrians who are crossing the road the driver is leaving would create a “generalised and unambiguous duty to give way on turning”[5]“. This change has been proposed before[6]. But more recent developments have added to the case for such a rule change.

Approach to a stop sign in a suburban street
A driver approaching this stop sign isn’t required to give way to pedestrians, but a driver turning into the same street must give way. Shutterstock

Read more: Why Australian road rules should be rewritten to put walking first[7]

The UK’s new rule H2

The UK recently made the same change to its road rules. In late 2021, the UK Highway Code introduced rule H2[8] which, at a junction, requires drivers to give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which the driver is turning.

The change eliminated inconsistencies and the counter-intuitiveness about who has to give way.

Giving pedestrians an unambiguous right of way also encourages walking. Examples of apparently minor "urban acupuncture” like this can have long-term benefits for liveability and for public health and wellbeing.

Read more: Cars have taken over our neighbourhoods. Kid-friendly superblocks are a way for residents to reclaim their streets[9]

Zebra crossings have unintended consequences

The second recent development is that local councils around Melbourne have been installing zebra crossings at prioritised locations – but not all locations – within activity centres and on routes designated as part of the so-called Principal Pedestrian Network[10]. The purpose has been to encourage and enable walking for transport, particularly since 2020 when COVID-19 lockdowns meant people were seeking more opportunities to exercise in their local area.

Zebra crossing at a T-intersection in a residential neighbourhood
A zebra crossing improves safety where it has been installed, but can lead to confusion at intersections without such crossings. Geoffrey Browne, Author provided

Zebra crossings at T-intersections like the one pictured above are certainly well intentioned, and they over-ride rule 353(1)(b) to create pedestrian priority where it wouldn’t otherwise exist. The evidence[11] suggests such zebras crossings do improve safety at the intersections where they are installed.

At the same time, however, there is a very real risk that, without a rule change, the crossings unintentionally undermine walkability more widely. This is because when they are installed at some but not all intersections, they can lead people to believe that at sites where they are not installed, drivers do not have to give way to a pedestrian who is crossing the street into which the driver is turning.

Our research[12], which was the first to examine this issue, found the risk of this unintended consequence is very real.

Read more: We all have to walk across roads — why aren't pedestrians a focus of road safety?[13]

A rule change is the best answer

We also interviewed traffic engineers, local government planners and walking experts. A clear majority agreed a rule change that requires drivers to give way to pedestrians at a stop or give way sign would improve road safety and promote walking.

It would taking some getting used to, but road rules have been changed before.

In 1993 the road rules in Victoria were changed for vehicles turning left at intersections to have the right of way before vehicles turning right. Previously, and somewhat counter-intuitively, it was the other way around.

From April 2021, motorists across Australia were required to give cyclists clearance of at least one metre when overtaking.

Both of these rule changes were accompanied by public awareness campaigns to ensure the community knew about them.

Read more: Minimum space for passing cyclists is now law Australia-wide. It increases safety – but possibly road rage too[14]

Encouraging walking has broader public benefits

Requiring drivers approaching and turning at a T-intersection from any direction to give way to pedestrians would be an important simplification of the road rules. And the more the rules are biased toward the convenience of walkers, the more walkers there will be.

Importantly, changes like this can send subtle but powerful social signals that society values walking for transport because it reduces pollution and encourages incidental exercise. Such changes can play a small part in shifting communities from being car-dominated to enabling everyone, but particularly children, older people and people with disabilities, to feel safe to walk more.

References

  1. ^ newly published research (protect-au.mimecast.com)
  2. ^ Browne & Flower 2023 (www.sciencedirect.com)
  3. ^ Australian Road Rules (www.ntc.gov.au)
  4. ^ rule 353 (classic.austlii.edu.au)
  5. ^ generalised and unambiguous duty to give way on turning” (www.sciencedirect.com)
  6. ^ proposed before (theconversation.com)
  7. ^ Why Australian road rules should be rewritten to put walking first (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ rule H2 (www.gov.uk)
  9. ^ Cars have taken over our neighbourhoods. Kid-friendly superblocks are a way for residents to reclaim their streets (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ Principal Pedestrian Network (www.victoriawalks.org.au)
  11. ^ evidence (uwe-repository.worktribe.com)
  12. ^ Our research (protect-au.mimecast.com)
  13. ^ We all have to walk across roads — why aren't pedestrians a focus of road safety? (theconversation.com)
  14. ^ Minimum space for passing cyclists is now law Australia-wide. It increases safety – but possibly road rage too (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/drivers-and-pedestrians-are-unsure-who-gives-way-at-stop-signs-a-simple-rule-change-can-end-this-dangerous-confusion-205575

The Times Features

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Uncover the Elegance of Gorgeous Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Key Highlights Diamond tennis necklaces are a timeless piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. They feature a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds, cre...

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them ...

What Neck Pain Really Means (And Why It’s More Than Just Poor Posture)

Neck pain is often brushed off as something temporary — a tight spot after a long day at the desk or a poor night’s sleep. But when the discomfort keeps returning, it could be a ...

The Work of Gosha Rubchinskiy: Fashion, Culture, and Youth

From Designer to Cultural Architect Gosha Rubchinskiy is not just a fashion designer—he's a cultural force. Born in Moscow in 1984, Rubchinskiy began his career in fashion in t...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping