Should Pedestrians Walk on the Left or Right Side When Crossing the Road?
2 Answers
Walking on the right side has become a common sense issue in China and is considered reasonable by people. Pedestrian traffic regulations: Pedestrians should walk on the sidewalk, and if there is no sidewalk, they should walk on the side of the road. The regulations do not specifically mention walking on the right side, and the side of the road here does not distinguish between the left or right side of the road. Whether people walk on the right or left side in different countries around the world is not a fixed habit from the beginning but the result of long-term evolution. Ancient regulations: In ancient times, both in China and abroad, due to underdeveloped roads, the rules for walking on roads were determined locally. Later, as transportation gradually developed and interactions expanded, local habits gradually needed to be unified regionally. This eventually became a national standard, and countries around the world also influenced each other. To avoid more traffic problems, people in China currently walk on the right side, which provides a unified standard for traffic and prevents traffic order from becoming chaotic.
Whenever I walk along the roadside, I strictly adhere to the rule of facing oncoming traffic. In our country where vehicles drive on the right, pedestrians should walk on the left side; this way, approaching vehicles remain within your line of sight, allowing you to observe and avoid them promptly. Conversely, in places where traffic keeps left, such as the UK, one should walk on the right. This practice stems from safety needs and significantly reduces accidents. A personal experience deeply ingrained this understanding: on a foggy rural road, walking on the left allowed me to spot a speeding truck in time to dodge; another time while touring Tokyo, adopting the local custom of walking on the right brought peace of mind. Statistics show this can lower pedestrian accident risks by 30%. Since making this a habit, my commutes and travels have felt safer and more comfortable, especially reminding myself to slow down and wear bright colors in low-visibility areas like nighttime, curves, or blind spots. Safety lies in details – everyone should cultivate this habit, safeguarding lives through small but vital practices.