If you’re a driver or a motorist, you’ve probably heard of the term “Ped Xing” thrown around. But in case you’re a newbie on the road, it’s the short term for “pedestrian crossing”. Ped Xing signs are placed on the side of a road to indicate that a pedestrian lane is by that area. Here, vehicles are expected to slow down as people are expected to cross the street.
As easy as it may seem to understand, though, lots of accidents can still occur because of the confusion on when and when and not to yield. In 2016, more than 100,000 accidents occurred in Metro Manila alone, with more than 5,000 hit-and-run cases from that number. Both pedestrians and drivers alike can get into accidents, which is why products such as car insurance policies in the Philippines are a must for financial security.
Aside from that, though, it’s best to learn the basics of yielding. Read below.
When a vehicle has to yield
As per the Republic Act No. 4136, if a pedestrian is using the designated lane, a vehicle is required to yield their right of way to the one crossing. This makes sense as the crosswalk is the assigned place where people are supposed to walk. There are even lanes where there are traffic lights so both the motorists and the people are aware of when to yield and when to cross/accelerate. The only exception to this rule is when a traffic enforcer is managing the traffic.
When a pedestrian has to yield
Just as the time for a vehicle to yield is at the pedestrian lane, a person walking should yield when he/she is not in the right lane. If they are crossing on anywhere that’s not a crosswalk, they are considered liable, not the drivers. This is because they are jaywalking, where they cross the road illegally. While motorists may do their best to avoid hitting people who are crossing illegally, pedestrians should still avoid doing it as it can harm not only them but everyone on the road.
It’s no secret that the Philippines can be quite chaotic due to disregard of traffic rules. Some of them can be quite simple to follow such as the laws on yielding, yet drivers and pedestrians alike still choose to ignore it. We must do our best to adhere to the rules and regulations not just for the sake of following the law, but especially for our safety and the safety of everyone traveling. But should the worse happen, it’s highly recommended that you have insurance – from car insurance policies in the Philippines to health and life insurance – to ensure you’re prepared.