Pedestrian Safety Guide for Indian Roads
Pedestrians account for 22% of all road deaths in India. Here's how to stay safe as a pedestrian.
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users in India — they have zero protection against a moving vehicle. Over 32,000 pedestrians die on Indian roads every year. Most deaths occur because of jaywalking, unmarked crossings, and driver negligence at crossings.
Quick Facts
- ●32,000+ pedestrians die annually in India
- ●Zebra crossings: drivers MUST stop for you
- ●Walk FACING traffic on roads without footpaths
- ●No phones while crossing — look up
- ●Bright/reflective clothing at night
- ●Use overpasses and subways where available
Your Rights as a Pedestrian
Indian law gives pedestrians specific rights:
- ›Right of way at zebra crossings: drivers must stop.
- ›Right of way during pedestrian signal phase: crossing vehicles must wait.
- ›Right to use footpaths: vehicles (including two-wheelers) cannot drive on footpaths.
- ›Right to safe crossings: municipal authorities are obligated to provide crossings at regular intervals.
- ›Right to be treated first at hospitals after an accident (Good Samaritan Law).
How to Cross Safely
Follow these steps every time you cross a road:
- ›Use designated crossings: zebra crossings, pedestrian bridges, subways.
- ›STOP at the kerb — do not step onto the road while looking at your phone.
- ›LOOK left, right, then left again (traffic comes from the left in India).
- ›Make eye contact with approaching drivers — ensure they see you before you cross.
- ›Walk briskly but do not run — running makes your movements unpredictable.
- ›If there is a pedestrian signal: wait for the green walking man. Do not start crossing during the blinking phase.
- ›If there is no crossing: cross at a point with maximum visibility in both directions.
Walking on Roads Without Footpaths
Many Indian roads lack footpaths. If you must walk on the road:
- ›Walk on the RIGHT side of the road — FACING oncoming traffic. This lets you see vehicles approaching and react.
- ›Walk as far to the edge as possible.
- ›Wear bright or reflective clothing at night.
- ›Avoid walking on highways — pedestrians on highways account for a large share of deaths.
- ›If walking in a group: walk in single file, not abreast.
- ›Carry a torch or phone flashlight at night so drivers can see you.
Dangerous Behaviours to Avoid
These behaviours dramatically increase pedestrian fatality risk:
- ›Walking while looking at your phone — you will not see vehicles or hazards.
- ›Wearing earphones/headphones while walking near traffic — you cannot hear vehicles.
- ›Jaywalking (crossing at non-designated points on busy roads).
- ›Crossing between parked vehicles — drivers cannot see you.
- ›Running across multi-lane roads — trying to "beat" the traffic.
- ›Walking on highway carriageways — the speed differential is unsurvivable.
- ›Crossing at night in dark clothing on unlit roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pedestrians have right of way in India?
Which side should pedestrians walk on?
How many pedestrians die on Indian roads each year?
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