Dear Driver,
According to Section 65(10) of the Road Safety Act, you are required to stop a short distance before a pedestrian crossing (zebra crossing) to allow any person crossing or intending to cross the road to do so safely.
The law does not specify that you should wait only when there is a group of people—it clearly applies from just one person onwards.
That means whenever you approach a pedestrian crossing—commonly referred to as a zebra—you must stop and allow the pedestrian to cross, even if it’s just one individual. Do not honk to intimidate or rev your engine to rush them across.
Unfortunately, I have witnessed some drivers getting annoyed when pedestrians step onto the zebra crossing, forcing cars to stop. On one occasion, I saw a motorcyclist speed past pedestrians at a zebra crossing near Kibamba Market and then turn back to hurl insults at them. I thought to myself, "This person doesn’t belong on the road."
There are also drivers who, when the car in front of them stops to let pedestrians cross, start honking persistently, pressuring the driver to move forward. This behavior is not only selfish but also a sign of ignorance—another form of recklessness on our roads.
Remember, the zebra crossing is the only place on the road where pedestrians have the right of way. That’s their space.
But don’t forget—you and your family are also pedestrians. Once you step out of your car, how do you get home? You walk, just like everyone else. How would you feel if other drivers refused to let you or your child cross?
Educate your fellow drivers.
RSAadmin1
RSA Tanzania
Road Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility