Why are pedestrians at high risk on roads?

Pedestrians have no physical protection and are vulnerable to speeding vehicles, poor visibility, unsafe crossings, and distracted walking.

What is the RLR rule for crossing the road?

RLR means look Right, then Left, then Right again before crossing. It helps you confirm traffic from both directions.

Yes. If a zebra crossing is available, use it because it is designed to provide a safer crossing point and improve driver awareness.

If there is no footpath, walk facing the traffic so you can see vehicles coming and react early.

Wear bright or reflective clothing, avoid busy roads when possible, and use pedestrian bridges/underpasses or safe crossings.

The WHO reports around 1.19 million people die each year in road traffic crashes worldwide.

Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death among children and young people (WHO highlights ages 5–29).

For 2021, WHO estimated around 28,000 lives were lost due to road crashes in Pakistan — about 2.2% of all deaths.

UN reporting notes WHO estimates are far higher than official recorded deaths, highlighting serious underreporting.

A Pakistan road safety profile reports pedestrians accounted for about 41% of road crash fatalities in 2021.

iRAP assessment cited in the profile reports only about 1% of roads have a 3-star or better safety rating for pedestrians (as of 2024).

Note: These are official international estimates and summaries. Local patterns can vary by city, road type, and enforcement.

First of all find a safe place to cross the road. You cannot cross road from everywhere it may be dangerous for yourself and for them who driving.
Always look both sides before crossing a road.
Follow RLR rule: Look right, left, then right again.
Never run on the road or too slow while crossing road.
Do not walk diagonally. When it is safe, go straight.
If traffic is coming, then wait and let it pass.
Use zebra crossing if available.
Keep watching toward traffic coming to you while crossing the road.
Always use foot walk / footpath for walking.
If there is no footpath then walk in opposite direction of traffic so you can watch the traffic coming to you.
Avoid crossing road at curve/bends.
Never use mobile/text while crossing road.
Never lost in thoughts while crossing road.
Be seen on road and wear bright and reflecting clothes at night.
Avoid walking on busy roads.
Use special bridge/underpass to cross the roads.
Don't take risk — if it is difficult to cross the road ask for help to your friend or traffic police warden.