An extremely important rule that many drivers know but break is when they encounter pedestrian crossings. What this norm is, we tell you in the following.
The essential rule that drivers should never break
The following problem arises for drivers. We meet, on our way, a free pedestrian crossing. What is the driver’s obligation in this case? Is it mandatory to reduce speed when crossing even when there are no pedestrians?
The law is clear when it comes to what is right, but despite this, hundreds of accidents occur every year.
Some of the most common causes of road accidents in Romania are pedestrian inattention and excessive speed. Despite the clarity of the legislation, hundreds of accidents happen every year, some with tragic consequences.
The traffic code stipulates many situations in which drivers are obliged to drive at a reduced speed. At the same time, pedestrians are allowed to cross only under certain conditions.
In localities, the speed limit, valid both on city roads and those that cross villages and communes, is 50 km/h. There are also exceptions where the speed can be higher.
However, is slowing down at a pedestrian crossing mandatory, even when there are no pedestrians? Drivers should pay special attention to road signs located near roads.
Speed reduction is required in any situation
According to the Road Code, in order to avoid accidents, it is required to reduce the speed near pedestrian crossings, whether signalized or not, on all public roads with at least one lane.
Thus, in accordance with Art. 123 (h) of Law 195/2002, drivers are obliged to drive at a speed not exceeding 30 km/h in localities or 50 km/h outside localities, at pedestrian crossings without traffic lights , signaled by signs and markings, when the public road has at most one lane per direction, and pedestrians on the sidewalk, in close proximity to the carriageway, intend to cross.
Thus, the maximum travel speed must not exceed these limits when there are people near the pedestrian crossing who may have the intention of crossing the street. However, if the visibility in the area is sufficient and there are no pedestrians near the crosswalk, then drivers can travel at the maximum speed allowed by law on that stretch of road.
