Final answer:
Passing might not be prohibited at highway exits, unlike school zones, pedestrian crossings, and construction zones for safety reasons. Traffic signals are important for pedestrian safety, as they allow for safer crossing times and slow down vehicles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Passing is prohibited when you are in or approaching certain areas due to the high risk to pedestrian safety and other concerns. However, one place where passing might not be prohibited is when approaching highway exits, since these are designed for vehicular traffic transitioning on and off highways. This contrasts with school zones, pedestrian crossings, and construction zones, where the safety of pedestrians and workers is paramount, and vehicle speed is controlled to prevent accidents.
In the context of pedestrian safety, it's critical to note the danger present at intersections without proper control mechanisms. Traffic signals provide a systematic way for pedestrians to cross at appropriate times without having to dodge traffic, thereby reducing the potential for incidents. They also force vehicles to slow down, capturing the attention of drivers who might otherwise disregard speed limits.
When considering the safety requirements for crossing the road, pedestrians need to account for the speed of approaching vehicles and their own walking speed. For instance, in towns and cities with a speed limit of 60 km/hr, a pedestrian would need to cross 4 meters beyond the width of a car to safely make it across before the car reaches them. This calculation helps establish crossing times at traffic signals.