Editing Traffic (section)

====Pedestrian crossings====
{{main|Pedestrian crossing}}
Pedestrians must often cross from one side of a road to the other, and in doing so may come into the way of vehicles traveling on the road. In many places pedestrians are entirely left to look after themselves, that is, they must observe the road and cross when they can see that no traffic will threaten them. Busier cities usually provide [[pedestrian crossings]], which are strips of the road where pedestrians are expected to cross.

[[File:Prehod za pešce na Glavnem trgu pri Starem mostu 1961.jpg|thumb|left|Slovenia, 1961]]
The actual appearance of pedestrian crossings varies greatly, but the two most common appearances are: (1) a series of lateral white stripes or (2) two longitudinal white lines. The former is usually preferred, as it stands out more conspicuously against the dark pavement.

Some pedestrian crossings accompany a [[traffic signal]] to make vehicles stop at regular intervals so pedestrians can cross.  Some countries have "intelligent" pedestrian signals, where the pedestrian must push a button in order to assert their intention to cross.  In some countries, approaching traffic is monitored by radar or by electromagnetic sensors buried in the road surface, and the pedestrian crossing lights are set to red if a speed infringement is detected.  This has the effect of enforcing the local speed limit.  See Speed Limits below.

Pedestrian crossings without traffic signals are also common. In this case, the traffic laws usually states that the pedestrian has the right of way when crossing, and that vehicles must stop when a pedestrian uses the crossing. Countries and driving cultures vary greatly as to the extent to which this is respected. In the state of Nevada the car has the right of way when the crosswalk signal specifically forbids pedestrian crossing. Traffic culture is a determinant factor for the behaviors of all road users’ traffic. Specifically, it has a main role in crashes.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Varmazyar|first1=S.|last2=Mortazavi|first2=SB|last3=Arghami|first3=S.|last4= Hajizadeh|first4=E.|date=2014|title=Relationship between organisational safety culture dimensions and crashes|journal=International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion|volume=23|issue=1|pages=72–8|doi=10.1080/17457300.2014.947296|pmid=25494102 |s2cid=26702114 }}</ref>

Some jurisdictions forbid crossing or using the road anywhere other than at crossings, termed ''[[jaywalking]]''. In other areas, pedestrians may have the right to cross where they choose, and have right of way over vehicular traffic while crossing.

In most areas, an intersection is considered to have a crosswalk, even if not painted, as long as the roads meet at approximate right angles.  [[United Kingdom|The United Kingdom]] and [[Croatia]] are among the exceptions.

Pedestrian crossings may also be located away from intersections.