AS A pedestrian, I have observed that many drivers in Singapore
expect pedestrians to give way to them. For example, when they are
reversing or when they are driving out from a small lane into a
main road, they expect pedestrians to wait and let them go first
before crossing the road.
One morning, my husband and I were crossing a small lane and the
driver of a BMW almost drove into us. The driver was angry, wound
down his car window and said: "There is no traffic light here." The
driver did not think that he was in the wrong even though he did
not stop before the stop line.
I would like the Traffic Police to clarify who - the driver or
the pedestrian - should give way in such a case. Or better still,
provide a general rule of thumb, for example, that drivers must
always look out for pedestrians and give way to them.
Many pedestrians themselves perpetuate the misconception that
drivers have right of way at all times out of sheer fear for their
own safety.
The Traffic Police should explain and highlight whether the
driver or pedestrian has right of way on roads where there are "no
traffic lights".
And more importantly, I urge them to launch an educational
campaign on giving way to pedestrians.
Over time, I hope we can see real change in the way we drive in
Singapore and develop genuine respect for one another's safety.
Loh Wei Ling (Ms)
