Ever found yourself standing there staring at those traffic lights wondering, “What next?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Pelican crossings (short for “Pedestrian Light Controlled Crossing”) are found all over town and city streets, but if you’ve never used one before, they can seem intimidating.
A pelican crossing is a string of traffic lights with pedestrian push buttons. They’re designed to give pedestrians somewhere safe to cross roads by holding up traffic briefly. Simple concept, but there’s a bit more to know in order to use them with confidence. As opposed to ordinary crosswalks, pelican crossings give pedestrians control over when they’d like to cross, which is helpful on busy roads where traffic might not stop otherwise.
The Parts of a Pelican Crossing
Having talked about what they look like, let’s have a glance at the elements you’re observing. An ordinary pelican crossing consists of:
- A “Wait” illuminated sign on a push button is the first to be noticed.
- Then there is the red/green man indicator that tells pedestrians when to cross.
- Motorists receive the usual traffic lights like at any intersection.
- Most crossings also have a beep or a bump under the button for visually impaired users to signal that it’s safe to cross.
What is unique about pelican crossings compared to other crossings is that pedestrians are allocated a set amount of time to cross before traffic can resume moving.
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Using a Pelican Crossing as a Pedestrian
Crossing the road shouldn’t be a matter of risking life and limb! Here’s how to use a pelican crossing in five simple steps:
- Walk up to the crossing and locate the push button on the pole.
- Press the button once – it won’t do you any harm to press it lots of times, it’s not going to make it come any sooner!
- Now you have to wait patiently until the green man figure appears on the screen.
- When it appears, always make sure that traffic has indeed stopped before crossing over – safety always!
- Last but not least, cross the road at your normal speed – there’s no hurry, but don’t tarry either.
The Flashing Green Man Phase
Here’s a secret that not many people are aware of: when the green man starts flashing, it is not “run!” But more like “don’t start crossing, but if you’re already crossing, just continue and get on through.” This flashing time gives those already on the crossing a chance to cross over before traffic picks up again.
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How to Use a Pelican Crossing as a Motorist
Should you be in the driving seat, pelican crossings need individual handling. Following is what you do:
- If coming towards a pelican crossing, always keep a lookout to observe if the traffic light is turning color or if pedestrians are waiting to cross.
- Get brought down well ahead of time if you see either of these signals – being prepared is half the battle.
- Stop right down as the light displays amber, and then red.
- Wait patiently for the light to turn green again, even though it seems like no one’s crossing anymore.
The Flashing Amber Phase
One of the unique features of pelican crossings that is likely to confuse drivers is the flashing amber light. This comes after the solid red light and before turning green. When you see the flashing amber, it means “proceed with caution if no pedestrians are on the crossing.” You do not have to wait for it to turn green if the crossing is empty, but always ensure nobody is still crossing.
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Avoiding Common Mistakes
We’ve all seen people abusing crossings, and sometimes it can create dangerous situations. While using a pelican crossing, you should avoid the following errors:
- As a pedestrian, don’t press the button if you’ve had a change of heart about crossing or if you’ve already seen a gap in traffic and crossed. This is just unnecessary delays for drivers.
- Also, don’t start crossing when the green man is already flashing – wait for the next cycle instead.
- And a big one – never try to beat the lights by running across when the red man is flashing.
Be Weather-Aware
Driving a pelican crossing in changing weather conditions requires extra caution. During rain, visibility can be low for motorists, so make sure you are visible enough and cars have actually stopped before you cross. During winter, buttons can be stiff and signals can be less visible due to fog or snow.
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Pelican Crossing Courtesy
There is an unwritten code of conduct that all individuals utilizing pelican crossings efficiently follow:
- If you realize you’ve arrived at a crossing and someone else has already pressed the button, don’t press it again.
- If you’re in a group, stretch out a bit across the road as you cross, rather than attempting to huddle together in one group – this hurries you along.
- If you have children with you, hold their hands and explain what all the signs are as you cross.
These small pleasantries facilitate the system functioning most efficiently for everybody.
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Differences Between Pelican and Other Crossings
You can hear people talking about zebra, puffin, or toucan crossings and wonder why they’re not the same as pelican crossings. The primary difference is how they’re used.
- Zebra crossings don’t have lights – drivers must slow down when someone crosses the black and white lines.
- Puffin crossings incorporate sensors that recognize when pedestrians have passed through the crossing.
- Toucan crossings are designed for people and cyclists to cross together.
Regional Differences
Depending on where you’re located, pelican crossings might look a little different or operate with slightly different rules. Some countries use different colored lights or slightly different rules. If you’re traveling overseas, take some time to observe how locals are using the crossings before you attempt to cross yourself.
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Final Thoughts
Pelican crossings don’t have to look as intricate as they initially seem; in reality, they’re fairly easy safety devices that protect pedestrians and drivers. Just by being familiar with the workings of how they work and respectfully following the indications, you are contributing towards safe roads for everybody.
Never forget, patience is paramount – waiting just a little bit longer can prevent accidents and the difference between safe passage and danger. Whether on foot or behind the wheel, respect for pelican crossings is an integral part of road safety.
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