43 pedestrians were seriously injured and two were killed on the streets of the Grand Duchy in 2019. Most of them – and the press reports from the police and rescue services leave no doubt about this – when crossing marked pedestrian crossings.
In principle, it is obvious that in such collisions on the zebra crossing, it is not the pedestrian but the driver who is to blame and responsibility. Nevertheless, the authorities always focus on the victim, the pedestrian, in their prevention campaign at the beginning of the dark season. So this year too.
In the case of the German-language flyer, no such accusations were made. The motto here is as follows: “Every year, many vulnerable road users are injured or killed during the bad season.” Although the role of the actual cause of the accident in the campaign appears to be of secondary importance, the advice, which year after year, is directed at the weaker road users but consistently makes sense – as part of common sense, which should also prevail in traffic.
Advice to pedestrians, athletes, cyclists, and scooter drivers
Pedestrians are asked to wear light-colored clothing with reflective elements that are visible all around. Bags, briefcases, and umbrellas with reflective and luminous applications should also be used.
On country roads outside the built-up areas, pedestrians should always walk in the opposite direction and wear the mandatory safety vest, the flyer says. Pedestrians should also correctly assess the speed and distance of the approaching vehicles and ensure that drivers have seen them. Dogs should also be put on a reflective collar.
Athletes are also encouraged to wear clothing with built-in reflective elements and reflective armbands and to wear a safety vest outside of built-up areas. Cyclists or scooters should switch on the lights on their vehicles, check the condition of their brakes and install reflectors. They should also wear a helmet and clothing with reflective elements.
Drivers should watch out for mistakes made by pedestrians
In addition to all of this advice, the Ministry of Mobility, the Police, and Sécurité routière also give five recommendations to motorists. You will be asked to switch on the low beam if necessary. They should display their driving maneuvers in good time, adapt their speed to the visibility conditions, and ensure that the windows of their vehicle are clean.
Also, it is emphasized that they should expect possible misconduct by pedestrians in traffic.