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The Highway Code
From:
Department for Transport (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport)
Published:
1 October 2015
Updated:
23 March 2021, see all updates (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/updates)
- Contents (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code)
Rules for pedestrians (1 to 35)
Rules for pedestrians, including general guidance, crossing the road, crossings, and situations needing extra care.
General guidance (rules 1 to 6)
Rule 1
Pavements (including any path along the side of a road) should be used if provided. Where possible, avoid being next to the kerb with your back to the traffic. If you have to step into the road, look both ways first. Always show due care and consideration for others.
Rule 2
If there is no pavement, keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic. You should take extra care and
- be prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light
- keep close to the side of the road.
It may be safer to cross the road well before a sharp right-hand bend so that oncoming traffic has a better chance of seeing you. Cross back after the bend.
Rule 3
Help other road users to see you. Wear or carry something light-coloured, bright or fluorescent
in poor daylight conditions. When it is dark, use reflective materials (eg armbands, sashes, waistcoats, jackets, footwear), which can be seen by drivers using headlights up to three times as far away as non-reflective materials.
