Final answer:
Drivers should check mirrors, use turn signals, and shoulder check before changing lanes. Pedestrians should cross at designated crossings and need sufficient space to clear the road safely, factoring in the speed and distance of oncoming traffic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before changing lanes on a multi-lane road, drivers should always check their mirrors, use turn signals, and perform a shoulder check to ensure that the lane change can be made safely. This process helps drivers be aware of their surroundings, including the presence and speed of other vehicles, and it minimizes the risk of accidents when changing lanes.
Considering the Safety of Crossing a Road
As for whether it is safer to cross the road outside of a pedestrian crossing, or to interpret the color of a vehicle in relation to its speed, these are misconceptions. Road safety dictates that pedestrians should always try to cross at designated pedestrian crossings where drivers expect to see people crossing the road. The color of a car has no bearing on the speed a vehicle is travelling at; rather, adherence to speed limits and driver behavior are key factors.
Universal road signs are designed to provide clear, concise information to drivers and pedestrians, ensuring that everyone can recognize them and understand their meaning, regardless of language differences. Different countries may have variations in their signage, but many signs are internationally understood.
When Is It Safe to Cross the Road?
If a car is 28 meters away - equivalent to eight car lengths - it may not be safe to walk across the road without further assessment. Assuming that cars are travelling at a speed limit of 60 km/hr, the distance needed to cross safely requires speed and distance considerations. Pedestrians should ensure there is enough space for them to walk at least 4 meters, which is further than the width of a car, before the vehicle reaches their crossing point. This ensures that the pedestrian can cross without coming into the path of the oncoming vehicle.