Final answer:
Space to cross or enter a road requires careful consideration of vehicle speed, distance, and pedestrian capabilities to ensure safety. You must not start crossing unless there is enough room to do so, and avoid crossing if paths are blocked, even at green lights.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering space to cross or enter a road or intersection, several safety rules apply:
- You need ample room to get all the way across the road before you start crossing.
- Ensure no vehicles or pedestrians block your path when turning.
- Do not start crossing railroad tracks unless you can get all the way across without stopping on the tracks.
- Even if the traffic lights are green, do not enter an intersection if it's blocked by vehicles, as this could prevent you from completing the crossing and cause traffic issues.
- Assess the distance of oncoming vehicles to judge whether it is safe to cross, taking into account the vehicle's speed and your walking speed.
For example, if a vehicle is traveling at 60 km/hr (the speed limit in towns), and you need to be able to cover at least 4 meters to cross safely before a car reaches you, you must take into account the car's distance and your walking speed. A car approaching at 28 meters away, which is equivalent to the length of 8 cars, may not provide enough space for safe crossing, depending on its speed and your walking speed.
Pedestrian safety is a serious concern, and it's crucial to make well-informed decisions about when and where to cross streets, especially around busy areas such as schools and campuses.