They are broken at many points and ramps are not constructed properly.

In modern times the term “pedestrian” refers to a person walking on a road or footpath. In a country like India, there is a huge road network which led to increased use of motorized vehicles in the past few years which ultimately leads to an increase in road accidents which especially involves the death of pedestrians. Speed of vehicle, the volume of traffic, absence of midblock crosswalks, the width of roads, poor timing of crossing signals, physical environment, etc. contribute to challenging the life of pedestrians. So, it becomes important to determine these challenges and to eradicate them to provide road safety to pedestrians. In order to do so firstly let’s recognize the challenges to pedestrians and at last, we’ll focus on how these challenges can be tackled.

1. MAINTAIN THE FOOTPATHS:

The very first challenge that comes to light is the poor management of footpaths. People in India due to congested roads tend to occupy footpaths leading to no space for pedestrians to walk or at times some manage to park their vehicles at footpaths ultimately leaving no safe space for the pedestrian to walk. So, at last pedestrians are forced to walk on roads causing threat to their own life.

2. LACK OF PROPER PARKING:

From the very first challenge, it is clear that there is almost no existence to proper parking. The moment a person sees a space he/she will park their vehicles there itself no matter whether it occupies footpaths or whether that place is reserved for parking or not. Due to the cars parked over the roads, there’s a little space for the cars which are moving. This leads to no space to walk freely and safely, hence walking becomes a daredevil act since your chances of getting hit increase.

3. NOT DISABLED FRIENDLY:

Since ordinary citizens find it difficult to get access to safe walking it is understood that disabled people will also find an unfriendly environment when it comes to walking safely and freely. If we talk about the capital, Delhi, footpaths are either not paved instead rugged or been occupied by homeless or poor people or are engaged for parking vehicles resulting in an obstacle for wheelchairs. According to an article by THE HINDU “A student of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), who uses a motorized wheelchair, said: “The footpaths are just not accessible. Footpaths found broken at many points and ramps are not designed properly. Most of the footpaths are encroached, there is no walkable space on the footpaths for a wheelchair to move. It has also being observed that many  People Park their  vehicles on the footpath and create  obstruction .”

4. CROSSING A ROAD IN A LIMITED TIME: GET SET, GO!

Due to congested roads and occupied footpaths, people are left with no option but to walk on roads. Even on roads as well poor traffic lights made them manage to run past red lights in anxiety leading to question the fact that “do pedestrians even thought about while planning such important issues.”

5. WATER CLOGGING AFTER RAINS MAKES FOOTPATHS INACCESSIBLE:

Unpaved and rugged roads can easily be witnessed in India. Due to poor construction roads often turned into unidentified water bodies, where one cannot avoid stepping on dirty water. Clogging makes it difficult to even to reach the footpath and at times also leads to standstill traffic.

In order to provide safe walking, the things that need to be taken care of are well-maintained footpaths, a zebra crossing, and a sensible traffic signal clock. Also, we all need civic sense! Although pitted and unmanaged roads are likely to be mended by authorities but at least we can contribute by keeping sidewalks clean and by stopping our vehicles before zebra crossing instead of stopping on it.

We can willingly follow the following steps to provide a safe or guarded space to pedestrians.

1. People can resort to bicycling for short distances instead of using automobiles.
2. Be alert all the time while walking on the road and avoid distraction by electronic devices such as mobile phones.
3. If possible, while walking on roads do look for cars in all directions at crosswalks or intersections including those turning left or right.
4. Always avoid alcohol, drugs or substances that can hinder your sense of judgement or abilities.
5. Drivers also should look for pedestrians at all times as safety is a shared responsibility.
6. Be extra cautious at night-time and in bad weather i.e., when visuals are hazy.
7. Never drive under the influence of drugs and always follow the speed limit especially when you are around people on street.
8. One should lower the speed of vehicles around school zones or neighborhoods where children and the elderly are present.
9. Be more cautious while backing up your vehicle as pedestrians might move into your path.