I R E L A N D - B A S E D Lithuanians visiting their homeland may be surprised by stricter punishments for pedestrians who jaywalk.
Radio Vilnius has reported that the country's police officers intend imposing tougher penalties on people who violate traffic rules, as pedestrians.
In the first eight months of 2008, some 96 pedestrians have been killed on Lithuania's roads, with over half these tragic incidents taking place at night-time. According to Lithuanian authorities, some of these incidents occured due to poor behaviour on behalf of the pedestrian In Ireland, pedestrian deaths account for one in five on our roads, while behaviour such as jaywalking is common.
There are limited instances in which vehicles must give way to pedestrians, such as at a zebra crossing; on or at a pelican crossing, when the amber light is flashing; crossing the road, if you are moving off from a stationary position (for example at a traffic light or a parking space); and at a junction, if the pedestrian has started crossing the road. It is also an offence to drive a vehicle partly or fully along or across a footpath, unless you are crossing a footpath to enter or leave a building.
According to the Road Safety Authority, the rules of the road also apply to pedestrians, and include: if you are walking along a road and there is no footpath, you should walk as near as possible to the righthand side of the road (facing oncoming traffic). People are also advised to always wear reflective clothing at night when walking outside built-up areas.
